Ukraine over Russian oil refinery and online retailer Ozone #live

Ukraine launched drone attacks against a Russian oil refinery in the Samara region and for the first time targeted storage facilities of the online retailer Ozon, according to local media reports. The attack caused a fire at Ozon’s logistics hub, prompting authorities to evacuate 500 employees safely, German news agency dpa reported. Ozon confirmed the strike, stating that several workers were injured during the incident. A crisis hotline was set up for affected employees and their families. The attacks occurred amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides intensifying their cross-border strikes. In separate developments, at least two civilians were killed in new Russian attacks on Ukrainian territory. One fatality was reported in Kyiv, while another occurred in Zaporizhzhia. These casualties follow a wave of attacks earlier in the week, including a drone strike on a shopping center in Kryvyi Rih that left 16 people dead and many others wounded. In Kyiv, officials reported a fire at a warehouse in the Darnytsky district after issuing a warning about a ballistic missile threat. They confirmed one death and multiple injuries following the attack. Meanwhile, in Zaporizhzhia, a drone strike resulted in one fatality and four injuries. French news agency AFP summarized these reports, noting the continued toll of the conflict. The latest attacks come after a series of Russian strikes on Friday that claimed at least 20 lives across Ukraine, with 16 deaths linked to a drone attack on the shopping center in Kryvyi Rih, the birthplace of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Rescue operations continued overnight in the area, with nine people still missing, including two children. Over 130 individuals were injured, among them 23 children. Kryvyi Rih, located approximately 60 kilometers behind the front lines, has been repeatedly targeted by Russian forces during previous offensives. In recent months, Russia has increased its attacks on Ukrainian cities, prompting Zelenskyy to once again call on Western allies for stronger support. On Friday, he wrote on social media platform X, urging the international community to respond appropriately to the aggression, emphasizing that peace can only be achieved if Russia takes real responsibility for its actions. The attacks on the oil refinery and Ozon’s warehouses mark a new phase in the ongoing conflict, with Ukraine expanding its military operations into critical infrastructure targets. This follows a pattern of strikes on major retail and industrial sites, including previous attacks on Wildberries, another prominent e-commerce company. The targeting of such facilities suggests a strategic effort to disrupt supply chains and economic stability within Russia. Russian authorities have responded to the increased threat of aerial attacks by temporarily halting air traffic at Moscow's airports. This measure underscores the heightened security concerns in the capital following the recent escalation in hostilities. Both countries have shown little sign of de-escalation, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the nearly four-and-a-half-year-long war, which began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Local residents and officials in areas near the attacked sites continue to grapple with the aftermath of the violence. Emergency services remain on high alert, preparing for potential further incidents. The situation highlights the growing complexity of the conflict, with each side seeking to assert dominance through increasingly sophisticated and targeted military actions. As the war enters yet another challenging period, the humanitarian and economic consequences are likely to deepen, affecting millions of civilians caught in the crossfire.