Symbolic imageRussia launches record drone swarm as US energy ceasefire collapses
Russia hit Ukraine overnight into Thursday with a record drone swarm, killing three in Kirovohrad region. Kyiv resumed refinery strikes, ending a US-declared energy ceasefire.
Zelenskyy said Russia used more than 850 Shahed drones, over 360 of them against Kirovohrad. Ukraine's State Emergency Service said the attack there lasted more than 10 hours and wounded six people. Governor Andriy Raikovych said Russia deliberately hit infrastructure, transport firms, logistics sites and homes. Le Monde, citing local authorities, counts at least five dead across several regions.
Refinery strikes resume
Zelenskyy told the Financial Times the block on refinery attacks was lifted. Moscow accused Ukraine of hitting a Ryazan refinery; regional officials cited 69 drones and four Flamingo missiles, while Moscow said drone debris caused the fire.
New jet-drone base
Reuters satellite images, relayed by Meduza, show a base in Russia's Rostov region that was an empty field on 31 August and now spans the area of 126 soccer fields. DroneSec's Mike Monnik says it could launch about 100 jet-powered drones a day within weeks.
Danube tankers hit
Romanian president Nicușor Dan said two Russian drones entered Romanian airspace and set two chemical tankers ablaze at the Danube mouth. At least seven sailors are missing.
Other opinions
Russia's Defense Ministry, via TASS, says it hit Izmail port and two dry cargo ships carrying military cargo. Romania describes the ships it names as neutral commercial vessels.