Russia Launches Missile and Drone Attacks on Ukraine, Targeting Steel Plant and Oil Refinery

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russian forces utilized ballistic missiles supplied by North Korea in an attack on Zaporizhzhia, resulting in the deaths of seven civilian workers at a Metinvest steel plant and injuring 21. Three additional civilians, including a 15-year-old boy, were killed by Russian drones and artillery in the Dnipropetrovsk region.

Multiple Attacks Across Ukraine

Russia employed missiles, drones, and glide bombs to target Ukrainian cities on Tuesday. A strike hit the grounds of a children’s hospital, creating two craters but causing no injuries, according to the State Emergency Service.

Oil Refinery Hit, Drone Interception

Ukrainian forces struck an oil refinery in Orsk, Russia’s Orenburg region, causing a fire. The refinery processes approximately 44 million barrels of crude oil annually. Romania’s navy destroyed two suspected Russian drones in the Black Sea, approximately 90 nautical miles from Constanta. Ukraine claims the drones were a Russian-made variant of the Shahed.

Russia Prepares for Mobilization and New Offensive

Zelenskyy stated that Russia is exploiting Ukraine’s shortage of Patriot air defense interceptors to counter ballistic missiles and is preparing to recruit additional troops for a new frontline push. Intelligence suggests North Korea is preparing to send up to 50,000 more troops to Russia. Russia’s Supreme Court banned the Yabloko party, the only officially registered party opposing the war, from participating in the upcoming election. Zelenskyy anticipates a rapid mobilization of several hundred thousand Russians by the end of the year, followed by another similar mobilization next year, potentially using the election as a pretext.