Ukraine hit the Druzhba oil pipeline pumping station with drones
Ukraine launched drone attacks on the Druzhba oil pipeline pumping station in Tatarstan, impacting the region's electricity and water supply.
Over the night leading into Monday, Ukrainian forces targeted the Kaleikino oil pumping station located in Tatarstan, which serves as a significant junction for the Druzhba oil pipeline. The attack resulted in disruptions to electricity and water supplies in the city of Belgorod and its surrounding areas, as reported by the region's governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov. Online videos circulated showing the aftermath of the airstrike, highlighting the impact on civilian infrastructure. On Monday, February 23, several key developments emerged in the ongoing conflict. Ukraine made notable gains, liberating 400 square kilometers and reclaiming eight settlements in the southern front. President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized Ukraine's long-term objective of regaining control over occupied territories and alleged that Russia is planning further terror attacks within Ukraine. Meanwhile, the violence escalated, with at least four civilians reported killed in Russian attacks in one day, and Ukrainian officials reported significant casualties for Russian forces, with claims of 720 soldiers lost in a day. This drone strike not only underscores the tactical capabilities of Ukraine in the ongoing conflict but also raises concerns regarding the broader implications for regional stability and energy security. The Druzhba pipeline is a critical asset for Europeβs energy infrastructure, and continued targeting may exacerbate tensions between Russia and Ukraine, while also affecting international energy markets and supply chains in the region.