Ukrainian drones strike two Russian oil distribution facilities. Russia launches a major attack on Zaporizhzhia for the third time in two days. NATO to respond to airspace incursions based on risk assessment, Rutte says.
Ukraine drones strike two Russian oil distribution facilities
Ukraine’s missile and artillery troops in cooperation with the Unmanned Systems Forces struck the 8-N line production station of a major oil pipeline near Naytopovychi, in Russia’s Bryansk region, overnight into Tuesday, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said.
“The 8-N station is part of the Stalnoy Kon major oil pipeline. The facility is critical for supplying the Russian army with oil. It is confirmed that a pump and compressor station was hit and that a fire started near the facility,” the General Staff said in a statement on Tuesday.
It also said Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces had struck the Samara line production station in the Russian region that bears the same name. “The production station mixes high and low sulfur oils from different fields to form the Urals oil grade for export. The extent of the damage is being determined,” the military added.
Russia launches major attack on Zaporizhzhia for third time in two days
Russian forces on Tuesday carried out five drone strikes on Zaporizhzhia in a span of 20 minutes, killing one person and injuring 12 others. An industrial facility, warehouses and vehicles sustained damage, officials said.
This is the third attack on the city in the past two days. Russia launched at least six aerial bombs on Zaporizhzhia overnight into Tuesday, head of the regional military administration, Ivan Fedorov said. One person was killed in the attack. Private homes and industrial sites were damaged.
Russia also dropped air bombs on Zaporizhzhia overnight into Monday, killing three people and injuring four others. Apartment and non-residential buildings, private homes and a critical infrastructure facility were hit.
NATO to respond to airspace incursions based on risk assessment, Rutte says
NATO will respond to incursions into its airspace based on risk assessment, Secretary General Mark Rutte told a news conference in Brussels on Tuesday.
“Decisions on whether to engage intruding aircraft, such as firing upon them, are, of course, taking in real time, are always based on available intelligence regarding the threat posed by the aircraft, including questions we have to answer like intent, armament and potential risk to Allied forces, civilians or infrastructure,” Rutte said.
He added that General Alexus Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe “has the overall prerogative and responsibility and also all the possibilities.”
“In the latest airspace violation we discussed today in Estonia, NATO forces promptly intercepted and escorted the aircraft without escalation, as no immediate threat was assessed,” Rutte said.