A Ukrainian drone strike has triggered a massive fire at a major oil refinery in Tuapse, Russia, marking the third attack on the facility in recent weeks. Local authorities reported a large-scale blaze, prompting evacuations of nearby residents and emergency responses as thick smoke filled the sky. Ukraine has confirmed targeting the refinery, describing it as part of efforts to disrupt Russia’s oil supply chain and reduce its war-funding capacity. The facility had already faced operational disruptions from earlier attacks, including damage to port infrastructure and oil spills in the Black Sea region.

Ukraine is witnessing one of its most volatile phases yet, as a fresh wave of drone and missile strikes leaves at least 16 people dead across multiple regions. The escalation comes at a deeply symbolic moment, the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, amplifying fears of a renewed nuclear threat in an already fragile war zone. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a stark warning, pointing to continued risks surrounding nuclear safety as Russian attacks persist. Concerns have intensified after reports of Shahed drone activity near Chernobyl, including a past strike on the protective confinement structure. WATCH