Ukrainian forces launched a drone strike on an oil refinery in southern Russia overnight, setting off a blaze at a fuel complex in the Astrakhan region, local authorities reported Monday, March 17.
The attack is the latest in a series of aerial assaults by both Russia and Ukraine targeting critical energy infrastructure. Regional governor Igor Babushkin confirmed that refinery staff had been evacuated prior to the attack, though one person was wounded and taken to the hospital.
This escalation of hostilities came as Ukraine criticized Russia for rejecting a proposed 30-day ceasefire, put forward by the United States, without preconditions. Meanwhile, Moscow launched a retaliatory barrage of nearly 200 drones on Ukraine. Ukrainian air defence forces were able to intercept 90 of the drones, including Iranian-made Shahed models.
In southern Ukraine, the drone attacks caused power outages for approximately 500 people in the Odesa region. Governor Oleg Kiper reported that the assaults also led to damage to several buildings, including a preschool, and left one person injured. The ongoing conflict continues to impact both nations, with energy facilities and civilian infrastructure taking heavy blows.