Ukraine launched strikes on a strategic oil hub supplying Moscow for the second time in June, and also hit a key artillery production facility in Volgograd, Ukrainian military intelligence reported Saturday.
The Vtorovo oil pumping station, located 140 miles east of the Russian capital, was targeted by drones, according to a statement from Ukraine’s military intelligence shared on Telegram. The facility, operated by Russia's state-owned Transneft, supplies diesel fuel to major oil depots in Moscow, Russian airports, and export hubs on the Baltic Sea. This marks the second time Ukrainian forces have struck the Vtorovo station this month.
In Volgograd, approximately 550 miles from the Ukrainian border, fire erupted at the Titan-Barrikady plant, a facility that produces artillery. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on X that "every Russian defense facility that serves the war against Ukraine is a just target."
These actions are part of a new 40-day "influence operation" initiated by Zelenskyy this week. The campaign aims to coordinate strikes deep within Russia to compel President Vladimir Putin to end the ongoing conflict.
"The reach of Ukraine’s long-range weapons continues to expand. And it is precisely our pressure, day after day, that lays the groundwork for a dignified peace in the end," Zelenskyy added.
Meanwhile, Russia reported casualties in Ukraine. In Sumy, one person was killed and 14 were injured after at least three drones struck apartments and houses. Ukrainian Governor Oleh Hryhorov stated that "Russia attacked a residential sector of Sumy with a modified jet-powered drone aimed at civilian infrastructure."
In the Dnipro region, Russian drones struck a minibus, resulting in two deaths and at least 12 injuries, including two 12-year-old girls. Ukraine's National Police reported the incident on Telegram.
"Unfortunately, there are casualties from this terror almost every day," Zelenskyy said on X. "The Russians are using various types of weapons to strike people, ordinary residential buildings, and our civilian infrastructure."
Overnight, Russia launched approximately 129 Shahed-type drones across Ukraine, according to Ukraine’s Air Force. In the past week alone, Russia has reportedly fired about 1,400 attack drones, nearly 1,500 guided aerial bombs, and 19 missiles into Ukraine, Zelenskyy stated.