A Ukrainian drone attack ignited a fire at Russia's Kirishi oil refinery overnight, marking the latest escalation in long-range strikes just hours before scheduled U.S.-brokered peace talks.
Leningrad Governor Alexander Drozdenko reported that Russian air defenses intercepted 113 Ukrainian drones during the assault on the KINEF refinery, one of the country's largest facilities near St. Petersburg. Firefighters contained the blaze, though debris caused damage to a residential building in nearby Vsevolozhsk and killed one woman.
The incident unfolded as Russia and Ukraine prepared for two days of U.S.-mediated discussions beginning Tuesday in Abu Dhabi. The talks represent the first trilateral session since February and will address ceasefire monitoring, security guarantees, and territorial issues.
Russian forces responded with their own long-range strikes, targeting Ukrainian power substations and a Black Sea cargo vessel alleged to carry weapons. Ukrainian officials confirmed impacts on energy infrastructure.
These exchanges come amid ongoing U.S. efforts under President Trump to broker an end to the conflict. Previous attempts at an energy ceasefire have faltered, with both sides accusing the other of violations.
Ukraine has conducted repeated drone operations against Russian energy sites this year, aiming to disrupt fuel supplies and pressure Moscow economically. Russia maintains that such attacks contradict the spirit of diplomatic initiatives.
Negotiators from both nations are expected to focus initially on security arrangements and monitoring mechanisms during the Abu Dhabi meetings. U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are leading the American delegation.
The timing of the refinery strike underscores persistent military activity on both sides despite diplomatic overtures. Russian state media emphasized the defensive success in intercepting most drones, while highlighting the civilian impact from debris.
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