In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukraine launched an unprecedented drone attack on Russian territory on July 22, 2024, deploying 75 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) across multiple regions. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported successfully intercepting and destroying all 75 drones, with the majority (47) shot down over the Rostov region.The attack targeted several strategic locations, including the Tuapse oil refinery in the Krasnodar region, where a fire broke out due to drone debris. The operational headquarters of Krasnodar Krai reported that the fire, covering an area of 50 square meters, was extinguished by 31 units of equipment and 91 personnel. While Russian officials claim no casualties, the extent of damage to the refinery’s infrastructure is still being assessed.In addition to the Rostov and Krasnodar regions, Russian air defense systems reportedly intercepted drones over Belgorod, Voronezh, and Smolensk regions, as well as over the waters of the Black and Azov Seas. The governor of the Astrakhan region also reported successfully repelling a drone attack in the northern part of the region.This massive drone offensive marks a significant escalation in Ukraine’s retaliatory efforts against Russian attacks, particularly in the context of ongoing Russian operations in the Zaporizhzhia region. The scale and coordination of the attack suggest a new phase in Ukraine’s military strategy, potentially aimed at disrupting Russian infrastructure and military capabilities deep within its territory.
Key points
- Ukraine launched an unprecedented attack with 75 drones on Russian territory, targeting multiple regions.
- Russian air defense systems claim to have intercepted all 75 drones, with 47 shot down over the Rostov region.
- The attack resulted in a fire at the Tuapse oil refinery in the Krasnodar region, caused by drone debris.
- This massive drone offensive marks a significant escalation in Ukraine’s retaliatory efforts against Russian attacks.
Contradictions👾While most sources report 75 drones being shot down, one source mentions that only some of the drones were intercepted, with others successfully hitting their targets.
👾There are varying reports on the extent of damage and casualties, with some sources claiming no injuries or significant damage, while others suggest damage to infrastructure and ongoing assessment of the impact.
