Russia pounds Sumy with brutal drone attacks while Zelensky's troops hit oil refinery

Russia launched out a series of drone attacks on the Ukrainian city of Sumy on Thursday night, causing fires in multiple locations. Meanwhile Ukraine has once again targeted Russian infrastructure, including an oil refinery in Krasnodar Krai. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported that Russian drones targeted a business facility, a municipal company, and a residential area in Sumy, which is in the north-east of the country. Firefighters extinguished the blazes despite risks of further strikes. Casualty details are being verified, with no immediate reports of deaths, reported Ukraine Pravda.

The latest assault forms part of Moscow's intensified drone campaign, which has seen over 800 drones and missiles launched against Ukraine in recent weeks, killing at least 11 civilians in one recent barrage. In response, Ukrainian drones hit the Afipsky Oil Refinery in Russia's Krasnodar Krai overnight. Local authorities stated that debris from downed drones caused a fire covering 30 square metres, which was quickly put out. No casualties or major infrastructure damage were reported, though Ukraine's military has not commented.

The refinery processes 6.25 million tonnes of oil annually, accounting for 2.1% of Russia's refining capacity, and supplies fuel to Russian forces.

The exchange highlights the escalating use of drones in the conflict. Russia has ramped up daytime attacks, disrupting daily life for millions in Ukraine.

Last week, a Russian barrage killed three and injured dozens across Ukraine.

Ukraine's Air Force noted Russian strike drones in Mykolaiv Oblast airspace about 8pm on Wednesday, indicating ongoing threats into the following days.

Ukraine's retaliatory strikes have targeted Russian energy and military assets. A Ukrainian drone attack overnight halted operations at a EuroChem fertiliser plant in Krasnodar, linked to explosives supply, for safety checks, reported the Kyiv Independent.

Separately, Ukraine's military intelligence claimed to have destroyed two Russian An-26 transport aircraft and two radar stations in occupied Crimea.

Ukrainian drones also struck gas stations in occupied Luhansk, disrupting local industries.

These operations come amid broader disruptions. Since August 2025, Ukrainian drones have hit 16 of Russia's 38 oil refineries, reducing capacity by over one million barrels per day and lowering exports below pre-war levels, according to analysts.

Russia reported downing Ukrainian drones over multiple regions, including 69 on Tuesday.

A Russian drone also exploded 800 metres from Ukraine's Pivdennoukrainsk nuclear plant on Wednesday, prompting IAEA warnings of risks. Russia claimed a Ukrainian drone damaged a construction site at Kursk nuclear power plant, with no fire reported.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned Russian leaders on Thursday that failure to end the war could make them targets.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused NATO and the EU of declaring war through Ukraine.

The conflict's drone warfare has surged, with Russia launching nearly 6,300 attack drones in July 2025 alone. Both sides continue deep strikes, straining defences and economies.