16 Killed in Mutual Attacks Between Russia and Ukraine

SadaNews - At least 16 people were killed in Ukrainian and Russian airstrikes that occurred today, Saturday, as both sides escalated their attacks amid stalled diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.

Ukrainian drones targeted an oil refining facility in Yekaterinburg, Siberia, as Kyiv intensified its attacks deep into Russian territory, claiming that the aim is to weaken the Russian war effort and force the Kremlin to negotiate.

The casualties occurred in Ukrainian regions occupied by Russia, in northeastern Ukraine, and in Russian border villages, as the United Nations warned of a recent surge in civilian casualties in the ongoing war that has lasted for about four and a half years.

This comes amid stalled talks led by the United States to end the war, as it remains occupied with its conflict with Iran, while Russia continues its efforts to gain full control over eastern Ukraine.

An Ukrainian airstrike on a city occupied by Russia in southern Ukraine resulted in the death of 8 people, including two children, according to the head of the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia region on Saturday.

Evgeny Balitsky stated that "tourist camps" in Kirilivka, located on the Sea of Azov, were struck in a nighttime attack.

He added that "there are casualties: 8 people, including two children," clarifying that 14 other individuals, including 3 children, were injured.

Strike on Oil Refinery in Siberia

Kyiv reported that a Russian drone strike targeted the private delivery company "Nova Poshta" in the northeastern city of Sumy, killing 3 drivers.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the attack as a "double blow."

Kyiv also announced the death of two more people in southern Ukraine, while Moscow reported the deaths of two villagers in border areas and one person in the occupied part of the Kherson region.

Far from the front lines, Ukrainian drones bombed an oil refinery in the Tyumen region of Siberia, located 1,600 kilometers east of Moscow, marking one of its furthest strikes yet.

In recent months, Kyiv has intensified its retaliatory strikes deep into Russian territory, causing fuel shortages and disrupting daily life for Russians to an unprecedented degree since the war began between the two sides.

Tyumen Governor Alexander Moor stated that a Ukrainian drone crashed "on the grounds" of an oil refinery, causing a fire.

Moscow announced that Ukraine launched more than 300 drones into its territory today, Saturday, hitting distant targets near the border.

Zelensky stated that Kyiv struck a factory in Kirov, located hundreds of kilometers east of Moscow, for the second consecutive day, following a strike on the same factory that resulted in casualties.

He said, "Once again, a factory in Kirov has been targeted; this is the factory that supplies Russia with weapon components used to attack our people."

"Uniting Our Ranks Against the Enemy"

Kirov Governor Alexander Sokolov declared a three-day mourning period in the region, which had thus far remained largely untouched by Ukrainian strikes.

Sokolov clarified that the final toll of yesterday's Friday attack on a factory described by Kyiv as military, contributing to the Russian war effort, amounted to 5 killed, and not 6, after a man who was initially believed to be dead was found alive.

Sokolov described the deceased as "heroes of the labor front," stating that the attack would only "unite our ranks against the enemy," and that Russia is fighting the "Western camp."

In the city of Yekaterinburg, located in the Ural mountains to the west, the Russian e-commerce giant "Wildberries," which has been affected by Ukrainian airstrikes this week, announced that it had evacuated its employees.

The company stated that it had "suspended" activities at its "logistics center" located in the city, following a "timely evacuation," explaining that its site had not suffered any damages.

Earlier this week, Ukrainian drones targeted warehouses belonging to "Wildberries" near Moscow, Saint Petersburg, the Crimean Peninsula, and southern Russia, causing fires and economic losses.

Denis Pasler, the head of the Sverdlovsk region, confirmed that the city had come under attack. According to Pasler, no injuries were reported, but the attacks caused a fire in a parking lot.