Russian forces launched a series of attacks on eastern Ukraine on Saturday and Sunday, killing three civilians and wounding 22 others, according to regional authorities. The strikes, which involved drones, artillery, and aerial bombs, targeted multiple districts in the Dnipropetrovsk and Poltava regions, underscoring the continued intensity of hostilities along the front line.
Oleksandr Ganzha, head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration, reported that one person died and nine were wounded after more than 20 attacks on three districts of the region. In the Nikopol district, a 70-year-old woman was killed when a strike damaged several houses and a car. "The enemy attacked more than 20 times with drones, artillery and air bombs," Ganzha wrote on Telegram.
Poltava Region Hit Hard
In the Poltava region, two people were killed and 13 injured—including six children—when two businesses were struck on Saturday, according to Vitaliy Dyakivnych, head of the Poltava Regional Military Administration. The attacks come amid a broader pattern of Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure and residential areas in eastern and southern Ukraine. Similar bombardments have recently hit Kyiv and Mykolaiv, as well as Kharkiv, where residential zones have been repeatedly targeted.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Saturday that Ukrainian forces had struck an oil-processing facility in Russia's Tyumen region in Western Siberia. He credited the operation to upgraded Fire Point drones capable of reaching targets at distances of up to 3,000 kilometres. "The job was carried out by the new, upgraded FP drones that can now reach targets at distances of 3,000 kilometres. I am grateful to the Fire Point engineers," Zelenskyy said on social media.
The long-range strike marks a significant escalation in Ukraine's ability to hit strategic assets deep inside Russian territory. The Tyumen region, located in Western Siberia, is a key hub for Russia's oil and gas industry, and the attack is likely to further strain Moscow's energy infrastructure. This development comes as European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, have urged the EU to prepare a mandate for talks with Russia on ending the war, though no formal negotiations are imminent.
The civilian toll in eastern Ukraine continues to mount as both sides engage in long-range strikes. The attacks on Dnipropetrovsk and Poltava are part of a broader Russian campaign that has also seen overnight strikes on Kharkiv and Odesa, where children were among the injured. The use of drones and artillery against populated areas has drawn condemnation from human rights groups, who note that such tactics violate international humanitarian law.
Ukraine's ability to strike deep into Russia with domestically produced drones represents a strategic shift, reducing reliance on Western-supplied long-range missiles. The Fire Point drones, developed by Ukrainian engineers, have been used in previous operations against Russian oil depots and military installations. The attack on the Tyumen facility is one of the deepest strikes yet, highlighting the expanding reach of Ukraine's defence industry.
As the war enters its third year, the conflict shows no signs of de-escalation. The European Union has continued to provide military and financial aid to Ukraine, while also exploring diplomatic avenues. The recent strikes on both sides underscore the fragile security situation across the continent, with implications for energy markets and regional stability.
