What You Need to Know
• Overnight Russian drone attacks killed at least three people and injured over a dozen in southeastern Ukraine.
• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Ukraine’s strikes on a Russian oil refinery in Ufa and a military facility in Penza.
• Ukraine signed a contract with Sweden for 16 used Gripen E fighter jets, valued at 24.6 billion kronor ($2.53 billion).
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine is intensifying its long-range drone campaign, targeting a Russian oil refinery in Ufa and a military-industrial facility in the Penza region. This announcement follows overnight drone attacks by Russia that resulted in the deaths of at least three individuals and injuries to more than a dozen in southeastern Ukraine. The Dnipropetrovsk region was struck early on Wednesday, while a separate attack in Zaporizhzhia on Tuesday claimed two lives. In addition, Ukraine has signed a contract with Sweden for 16 used Gripen E fighter jets, with the deal valued at 24.6 billion kronor ($2.53 billion) and set for delivery in early 2027. Meanwhile, Russia reported shooting down 419 Ukrainian drones, including in the Moscow region, where a six-month-old child was killed.
Why It Matters
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has escalated significantly over the past four and a half years, with both sides increasing military operations. President Zelenskyy’s announcement of expanded drone strikes indicates a shift in Ukraine’s strategy to target deeper into Russian territory. The recent attacks and Ukraine’s acquisition of fighter jets from Sweden highlight the continuing military support Ukraine is receiving amid the conflict. Russia’s insistence on maintaining control over annexed regions further complicates the situation, as peace negotiations remain stagnant.
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