Ukrainian drone attack on Russian oil facility sparks huge fire

WorldPolitics
22 Apr 2026 • 2:21 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Ukrainian drone attack on Russian oil facility sparks huge fire

  • Ukraine launched multiple strikes on Russia's Black Sea port of Tuapse, causing a large fire at an oil refinery that resulted in at least one fatality and one injury.
  • Satellite imagery showed thick plumes of smoke from the Tuapse refinery fire spreading hundreds of kilometres inland, with active hotspots still detected.
  • The EU is expected to decide on unblocking a €90bn loan for Ukraine within 24 hours, following the repair of the Druzhba pipeline carrying Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia.
  • Italy summoned the Russian ambassador to protest "extremely serious and offensive" statements made by a pro-Kremlin TV host against Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
  • Russia warned that the safety of its citizens in Moldova’s breakaway Transdniestria region is under threat, saying Moscow is prepared to act if needed.

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