Ukraine’s military on Monday announced it has carried out a decisive strike on a major oil terminal in Crimea, a facility that is crucial to fueling Russia’s ongoing military operations.
The General Staff of Ukraine reported via social media that the terminal in Feodosia, located along the southern coast of the Russian-occupied Crimea Peninsula, has been instrumental in supplying fuel to Russian forces.
The strike aimed to “undermine the military and economic potential of the Russian Federation,” according to military officials.
In response, Russian-installed authorities in Feodosia confirmed a fire at the terminal but did not specify the cause.
The attack comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that the conflict has entered a pivotal phase.
A Russian Army “Grad” rocket launcher fires rockets toward a Ukrainian position at an undisclosed location on October 6, 2024. Ukraine’s military said it struck a major oil terminal that provides fuel for Russia’s war effort.
Russian Defense Ministry via AP
Ukraine has escalated its targeting of critical rear areas that support Russia’s military campaign, which is now entering its third year. Utilizing long-range drones, Ukrainian forces have successfully struck oil depots, refineries, and munitions stores.
As both nations grapple with the sustainability of their protracted war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, the situation remains fraught with tension and uncertainty.
Kyiv’s strategy focuses on diminishing Russia’s capability to sustain its front-line units, particularly in the eastern Donetsk region, where intense battles are wearing down Ukrainian defenses.
As Ukraine awaits responses from Western allies regarding its requests for long-range weaponry capable of striking targets on Russian soil, key discussions are anticipated next weekend at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.
Defense leaders from over 50 partner nations will convene to coordinate military assistance to Ukraine.
A Russian Army “Grad” self-propelled 122 mm multiple rocket launcher fires rockets toward Ukrainian position at an undisclosed location.
Russian Defense Ministry via AP
Zelensky emphasized the critical nature of the current phase of the conflict, stating that Ukraine must maintain pressure on Russia to demonstrate that the war will yield no benefits. “We will continue to apply even greater pressure on Russia—because only through strength can we bring peace closer,” he said in a recent video statement.
In a separate development, Russia launched six missiles of various types and 74 Shahed drones against Ukraine overnight.
According to Ukraine’s air force, missile debris fell in three districts of Kyiv, causing minor damage to civilian infrastructure and igniting a fire, although no injuries were reported.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that some missile fragments fell near a kindergarten.
Yurii Ihnat, the acting head of Ukraine’s Air Force Communications Department, said two hypersonic Kinzhal missiles aimed at the capital were intercepted.
Despite the challenges posed by Russia’s evolving tactics, Ukrainian defenses have managed to down a significant number of incoming threats.
“While we’re facing increasing difficulties and improvements in their technology, we successfully intercepted two today,” Ihnat said. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that some Russian missiles continue to breach defenses.
In a counterclaim, Russia’s Defense Ministry stated it had shot down nearly two dozen Ukrainian drones during the same period.
This article contains additional reporting from The Associated Press
