Ukrainian drones have, for the first time, struck targets in the Asian part of Russia, hitting the Tyumen Oil Refinery located over 2,000 km from the Ukrainian border. Russian media report minor damages, but the strike is significant due to the distance and the refinery’s importance as one of the biggest in the region.
In addition to the Tyumen attack, Ukrainian drones targeted other Russian regions, including Belgorod, where a thermal power plant was reportedly hit, causing power disruptions. In Stary Oskol, a Russian air defense missile mistakenly struck a residential building. An earlier attack in Leningrad region led to the shutdown of the main oil processing unit at a local refinery for repairs.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed it shot down 184 Ukrainian drones in one night. Simultaneously, Russian forces launched drone and missile attacks on Kharkiv, Poltava, Kherson, and Sumy, damaging infrastructure and causing civilian casualties.
Politically, there is ongoing discussion about potential US supplies of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, though no official decision has been made. Approval has been granted for the purchase of Patriot systems. In other defense news, Denmark and Ukraine have announced joint production of military equipment, and Slovakia has confirmed another package of military aid for Ukraine.
The New York Times reported financial violations in Ukraine’s defense procurement, including overpayments and the use of intermediaries. These revelations have intensified debates over the efficiency of defense spending.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s parliament will consider on October 8 extending the terms of local councils and mayors during the period of martial law. Local elections have been postponed due to the war, but the legal status of local authorities remains a key issue.
In Russia, October 7 marks President Vladimir Putin’s birthday. International and domestic developments related to military aid and political agreements around Ukraine continue to evolve.
