KYIV: Ukrainian drones attacked energy facilities and a missile storage facility in Russia overnight, a security source in Kyiv said Friday, while a Russian aerial attack wounded several in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian and Russian drone barrages were less intensive compared to previous days and came after US-Ukraine talks in Jeddah proposed a 30-day ceasefire that the Kremlin on Friday said it was ‘cautiously optimistic” about.
The source said drones dispatched by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) had hit gas compressor systems in the western Russian regions of Tambov and Saratov.
It added that a Ukrainian drone also hit a warehouse storing missiles used for S-300 and S-400 Russian air defense systems.
“The SBU conducted another successful special operation on enemy territory, which caused significant losses to the Russian budget, reduced its ability to finance the war against Ukraine and the military potential of the Russian army,” the source said in written comments.
The mayor of Moscow meanwhile said Russian air defense systems had shot down four Ukrainian drones that were heading toward the capital.
The Russian defense ministry said Ukraine had launched 28 drones overnight against over 300 in the early hours of Tuesday, when three people were killed.
The governor of the southern Krasnodar region said a Ukrainian attack had sparked a fire at an oil refinery in the Black Sea resort town of Tuapse.
A fuel tank containing up to 20,000 tons of oil products was on fire at the refinery, officials said.
Kyiv said Russia had attacked Ukraine with 27 drones overnight, a fraction of the number it usually sends over, with some recent barrages comprised of more than 100 drones.
Authorities in the eastern Kharkiv region said eight people were wounded by the Russian attacks overnight.
Ukraine drones hit Russian energy sites, Kyiv source says
Ukraine drones hit Russian energy sites, Kyiv source says
- Drones dispatched by the Security Service of Ukraine had hit gas compressor systems in the western Russian regions of Tambov and Saratov
Palestine Action-linked detainee to stand in UK local elections
- Amu Gib’s campaign will focus on both local concerns and broader political issues, including UK policy on Israel and Palestine
DUBAI: A pro-Palestine activist held on remand in the UK will stand as a candidate in May’s local council elections, according to recent local media reports.
Amu Gib, who has been in custody since July 2025 while awaiting trial over alleged links to direct action by the group Palestine Action, was selected by the Islington Community Independents to run in a north London ward.
The charges relate to an alleged break-in at RAF Brize Norton, where activists are accused of damaging aircraft they believed were connected to UK support for Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Gib has not been convicted of any offense.
The 30-year-old recently took part in a hunger strike organized by Prisoners for Palestine, which lasted 49 days and ended in December.
Supporters said Gib’s candidacy aims to raise awareness of the war in Gaza as well as local issues, including housing and education. If elected, Gib would be able to carry out council duties remotely while remaining in custody, under UK law.
Islington Community Independents said the campaign would focus on both local concerns and broader political issues, including UK policy on Israel and Palestine.
Meanwhile, the case comes amid a legal dispute over the government’s decision to ban Palestine Action.
Britain’s High Court ruled earlier this month that the group’s proscription under anti-terrorism laws was “disproportionate and unlawful,” saying most of its activities did not meet the threshold for terrorism and that the ban interfered with the right to protest.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the government would appeal the ruling, leaving the legal status of more than 2,500 people arrested for alleged support for the group uncertain.
