Deadly Ukrainian Drone Strike Hits Russian Oil Hub in Tatarstan

A Ukrainian drone attack on the petroleum hub of Nizhnekamsk in central Russia's Tatarstan region has killed 13 people and injured 75 others, according to local authorities. The strike on Monday is among the deadliest in the country since the conflict began four years ago.

A child was among those killed, the press service of Tatarstan's head, Rustam Minnikhanov, said. Monday was declared a day of mourning in the region.

The Russian Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case on charges of terrorism following the strike. Spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko said the attack targeted industrial and civilian facilities, adding that civilians not involved in hostilities were present at the sites.

Ukraine's General Staff said its forces struck a Taneco oil refinery in Nizhnekamsk, starting a fire. The city, which has a population of about 240,000, is located roughly 1,200 kilometers (750 miles) east of the Ukrainian border and is home to two refineries and a petrochemical plant.

Russian officials did not specify what the drones targeted, but the press service of Tatarstan's head described the attack as "massive," targeting industrial and civilian facilities.

Ukraine has increasingly targeted Russian oil facilities with long-range drones in recent months. The campaign has caused fuel shortages in Russia, reduced its refining capacity, and unsettled the population. It was not possible to independently verify either side's claims.