#explorerussia

Sviyazhsk / Свия́жск (  Russia )

Caught the sun by its tail (and snapped a few pics for the 'gram) at Yelagin Island. ✨ (Also, the squirrels here are totally jealous of my hair. 🐿💁‍♀️)

P.S. The oaks and bushes know they're the best set designers. 🎭

Поймала солнце за хвост (и пару кадров для социалок) на Елагином острове. ✨ (А ещё тут есть белки, которые явно завидуют моим волосам. 🐿💁‍♀️)

Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua

Category: News

Targeted Attack on Strategic Oil Facility

Ukraine’s military has confirmed a successful strike on the Novoshakhtinsk Oil Refinery in Russia’s Rostov Oblast. The attack, which took place overnight on December 19, was carried out by Ukraine’s Naval Forces and Security Service (SBU) in coordination with other defense units. The targeted facility is a key infrastructure point in the region, playing a significant role in Russia’s energy supply chain.

According to the Ukrainian General Staff, Novoshakhtinsk Oil Products Plant is the only operational refinery in Rostov Oblast. It serves as a critical supplier of fuel to Russian armed forces, producing fuel oil, furnace fuel, marine diesel, and straight-run gasoline. The refinery, designed to process up to 7.5 million tons of crude oil annually, has been identified as a key asset supporting Russia’s military operations.

Fire Breaks Out at Key Refinery Unit

The military leadership confirmed that the strike caused a fire at the facility’s ELOU-AVT-2.5 catalytic cracking unit. These units are vital in the oil refining process, as they are responsible for separating crude oil into various usable fractions. Damage to such infrastructure can significantly disrupt refinery operations and fuel supply chains.

The Ukrainian General Staff stated that further information on the aftermath of the attack is still being assessed. While the exact scale of the damage remains unclear, the strike is seen as a blow to Russia’s military and economic capabilities.

Undermining Russia’s Military Potential

In their official statement, Ukraine’s military leadership emphasized the strategic goal behind such operations. The ongoing attacks on Russia’s energy and industrial infrastructure aim to weaken its military-economic potential and pressure the Kremlin to halt its aggression. By targeting critical fuel supplies, Ukraine seeks to disrupt logistical support for Russian forces engaged in combat.

Ukraine’s defense forces reiterated their commitment to continuing efforts that undermine Russia’s ability to sustain its war efforts. This latest strike underscores Ukraine’s strategy of hitting high-value infrastructure to erode Russia’s wartime resilience.

While Russia has yet to release an official response regarding the attack, the strike on Novoshakhtinsk marks another significant escalation in Ukraine’s campaign against strategic targets.

Source: firstpost.com

Category: News

Oil Spillage Worsens Following Storm Damage

A major oil spill has affected “tens of kilometres” of Russia’s Black Sea coastline after two aging oil tankers were severely damaged in a powerful weekend storm. On Tuesday, officials confirmed that the oil spill had spread across the shoreline, sparking environmental concerns. Regional Governor Veniamin Kondratyev stated that fuel oil residues had been discovered between Temryuk and Anapa, two key coastal towns. Authorities declared a local state of emergency in multiple areas, including four settlements in the Temryuk district and one in Anapa.

The incident began when the first tanker, Volgoneft 212, split in half in the Kerch Strait on Sunday, while the second vessel, Volgoneft 239, ran aground just 80 meters from the shore near the Taman port. Combined, the ships were reportedly carrying approximately 9,200 metric tons of oil products, raising fears of severe ecological consequences. Local media released distressing footage showing black, oil-like substances contaminating the beaches and birds struggling to fly after being coated in oil.

Third Tanker Issues Distress Call

In a troubling development, a third tanker, Volgoneft 109, issued a distress signal on Tuesday. According to the TASS news agency, the ship’s hull remained intact, and there was no immediate oil leakage. The crew onboard was reported to be safe, with the vessel securely stationed near the port of Kavkaz in the Kerch Strait, a strategic waterway connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov.

The Volgoneft 109, built in 1973, belongs to the same aging fleet as the other damaged ships. Environmental experts have raised concerns about the condition of these decades-old vessels, warning of their vulnerability in rough seas. Russia’s Black Sea, especially the Kerch Strait, an essential route for Russian grain and fuel exports, has now turned into a site of environmental emergency, highlighting the need for improved maritime safety regulations.

Ecological and Human Impact

The spill has triggered fears of a major ecological disaster, with scientists emphasizing the region’s ecological sensitivity. Dmitry Glazov, a researcher at the Institute of Ecology and Evolution, noted that the Kerch Strait is critical for migrating dolphins and other sea mammals. “You can say they hit a key place,” he said, underlining the severity of the spill’s impact. Meanwhile, videos from the affected areas have shown wildlife struggling in the contaminated waters, further intensifying environmental concerns.

Russia’s Natural Resources and Ecology Ministry confirmed on Monday that fuel oil had leaked into the sea, though the exact scale remains unclear. Minister Alexander Kozlov stated that some oil may have already sunk to the seabed due to cold weather, complicating cleanup efforts.

The storm-related incidents have also claimed human lives. One crew member aboard the Volgoneft 212 was killed, while all 14 personnel on the Volgoneft 239 were successfully rescued. As oil continues to wash ashore, authorities and environmental agencies face mounting pressure to contain the spill and mitigate long-term damage to the fragile ecosystem.