Ukraine-Russia war: Russian official reports massive attack on refinery region

Damage in Nizhny Novgorod

Authorities in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod region said they were acting to maintain fuel supplies at petrol stations after a massive drone attack damaged an industrial facility. Governor Nikitin described the damage as significant in a Telegram post.

Nikitin said more than 100 drones had been destroyed. The region is home to the NORSI oil refinery, one of Russia’s largest, but the facility reported damaged was not identified.

Russian investigators opened a criminal case on terrorism charges over an alleged Ukrainian attack on an industrial facility and civilian infrastructure, state news agency TASS reported. The reports do not establish that the refinery itself was struck.

Talks and ceasefire efforts

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said the first rounds of talks on a settlement should involve Russia, Ukraine and the United States. Interfax quoted him saying it was logical to begin in a trilateral format because Moscow had working contacts with Washington.

Ushakov also said President Vladimir Putin would answer a call from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, adding that Putin had never refused talks. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration was reviewing proposals from Turkey and India to resume grain shipments. He also cited growing international interest in a temporary Black Sea ceasefire amid concerns over grain and energy shortages.

Evacuation and infrastructure strikes

The operation was linked to efforts to demonstrate seriousness about US President Donald Trump’s push for a broader peace settlement. US first lady Melania Trump and Pope Leo were also said to have been involved in brokering the deal.

Zelensky said Russian strikes overnight hit power infrastructure in four Ukrainian regions, leaving hundreds of thousands of households without electricity. He said the strikes were intense and that Russia was seeking to exploit a shortage of ballistic missile interceptors.