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Ukraine Launches Massive Drone Attack on Russia While Putin in China, 37 Shahed Drones Downed

May 19, 2024, 04:51 AM

Ukraine launched a massive drone and missile attack on Russia, targeting oil refineries, ports, and electricity stations in southwestern Russia and Russian-occupied Crimea on Friday. The attack, one of the largest since the start of the war, included up to 80 UAVs and resulted in significant damage to infrastructure. In Novorossiysk, a Ukrainian drone struck the port, causing an explosion, while in Tuapse, a drone hit a liquefied petroleum gas production facility, halting its operations. The Slavyansk-on-Kuban oil refinery also ceased operations following drone strikes. Russia's Defense Ministry reported intercepting numerous U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles and shooting down several Ukrainian drones over various regions, including Belgorod and Crimea. Despite these defenses, the attacks caused substantial disruptions, with explosions reported in multiple locations. Ukraine's air defense shot down 37 Shahed drones. The attacks occurred while President Putin was in China.