Ukraine Steps Up Offensive Ahead of Russia's General Election; Civilian Casualties Mount in Both Countries

Ukraine is stepping up pressure on Vladimir Putin's administration ahead of the upcoming general election by targeting private distribution networks and launching strikes against deep-rear Russian cities located more than 1,000 kilometers from the border.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on social media on the 10th (local time), "Operations targeting Russian oil refineries are continuing, and Russia is feeling the impact."

He also expressed gratitude to the Security Service of Ukraine.

While the security service's primary mission in the past was counterintelligence activities such as rooting out Russian spies, it has recently been leading attacks on the Russian rear using long-range drones.

The security service operation mentioned by President Zelenskyy today appears to refer to the attack targeting Nizhnekamsk.

According to regional authorities in Russia, Nizhnekamsk in the Republic of Tatarstan was hit by a Ukrainian drone attack overnight, leaving 13 people dead, including a child, and 39 others injured.

Nizhnekamsk is a central Russian city located approximately 1,200 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.

It is known as an energy hub densely packed with two oil refineries and a petrochemical plant.

While Ukraine has previously launched several attacks on Russian energy facilities located more than 1,000 kilometers from the border, experts note that such a large number of casualties is unusual.

The Russian government condemned the attack, stating, "Ukraine is committing deliberate terrorism targeting civilians."

Ahead of Russia's general election next month, Ukraine is intensifying its offensive against targets beyond the front lines.

A representative example is Wildberries, the massive Russian e-commerce company that has been a primary target since the launch of the "40-day operation" in late June.

This is interpreted as a strategy to raise civilians' awareness of the war and shake the Putin regime.

As Russia retaliates against Ukraine, civilian casualties in Ukraine are piling up almost every day.

Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, was hit by a Russian attack overnight, resulting in the deaths of five civilians.

At least five people were also injured in the northern Sumy region.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.