Ukraine Strikes Vital Fuel Pipeline Supplying Russian Army Near Moscow
Ukrainian forces targeted a crucial fuel pipeline supplying the Russian military near Moscow, as reported by Ukraine’s military intelligence on Saturday. This operation occurred late Friday and was detailed through a statement on the Telegram messaging platform.
Targeting the Koltsevoy Pipeline
The pipeline in question, known as the Koltsevoy pipeline, is significant for its role in transporting fuel to Russian military operations. It spans an impressive 250 miles and delivers gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel from several refineries located in Ryazan, Nizhny Novgorod, and Moscow.
Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, referred to as HUR, described this strike as a “serious blow” to Russia’s military logistics. They confirmed that all three fuel lines of the pipeline were destroyed during the operation.
Pipeline Capacity and Impact
- Jet fuel capacity: 3 million tons annually
- Diesel capacity: 2.8 million tons annually
- Gasoline capacity: 1.6 million tons annually
Kyrylo Budanov, head of HUR, claimed that the impact of these strikes surpasses that of international sanctions against Russia, which were imposed following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Conflict Developments in Pokrovsk
Simultaneously, Russia’s Defense Ministry announced that its forces overcame a group of Ukrainian special forces in the eastern frontline city of Pokrovsk. This location has seen intensified fighting as Russian troops attempt to gain further ground.
Reports indicate Russian military claims of encircling Ukrainian defenders in Pokrovsk. However, Ukraine’s army chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, refuted these assertions, stating that while conditions are challenging for Ukrainian forces, a complete encirclement has not occurred.
Statements from Leadership
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged that Russian units had managed to infiltrate Pokrovsk, but emphasized that Ukraine is active in eliminating them. He also noted that approximately 170,000 Russian soldiers are currently deployed in Donetsk, indicating a significant offensive push.
Russian Strikes and Casualties
In related developments, a Russian missile strike in Mykolaiv resulted in one civilian death and injuries to 19 others, including a child, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Additionally, another missile strike in the Poltava region caused significant damage to a gas plant.
Russia launched a substantial nighttime assault against Ukraine, deploying 223 drones, with 206 intercepted by Ukrainian forces. Reports confirmed that Russian strikes affected several regions, including damaging agricultural facilities in Chernihiv.
Energy Infrastructure Attacks
These attacks come amid ongoing efforts by Russia to disrupt Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, leading to widespread power outages. Ukrainian military activity continues as tensions remain high in the region.
