Ukraine hits 4 'important' Russian oil sites in overnight strikes, military says
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Editor's note: This item has been updated with a confirmation from Ukraine's General Staff.
Ukraine struck four "important" Russian oil industry facilities overnight on April 18, the General Staff reported, as Kyiv continues efforts to disrupt Moscow's war funding.
The military said the targeted sites support Russia's Armed Forces and that the attacks were part of a broader campaign to "undermine (Russia's) military and economic capabilities."
According to the statement, the targets included the Novokuybyshevsk and Syzran oil refineries in Samara Oblast, an oil terminal in Leningrad Oblast, and the Tikhoretsk oil pumping station in Krasnodar Krai.
The extent of the damage is still being assessed, the military said.
Russian Telegram channels also reported a large fire at the Novokuybyshevsk refinery in Samara Oblast early on April 18 following an apparent drone strike.
Russia's Defense Ministry said it intercepted 258 Ukrainian drones overnight, including over Leningrad, Samara, and Krasnodar oblasts.
The Kyiv Independent could not verify these claims.
Ukraine has increased strikes on Russian oil infrastructure in recent months, as it aims to reduce the Kremlin's most important revenue source — given a boost by the skyrocketing oil prices that have followed the war in Iran.
In March, long-range Ukrainian drone attacks and shadow fleet tanker seizures reportedly disabled about 40% of Russia's oil export capacity.
