Sunday 30 August 2026 07:30 UTC
Ukrainian Drones Hit Russian Refinery and Airbases
In the 24 hours ending 30 August at 07:30 UTC, Ukrainian drones struck Russia’s Kirishi oil refinery near Saint Petersburg. A production unit caught fire at one of Russia’s largest refineries.
Ukrainian drones also struck Yeysk and Millerovo airbases in Russia. Large fires and secondary explosions followed at Yeysk. Another attack caused a large fire at an airbase in occupied Crimea.
Ukrainian intelligence said the Kremlin ordered planning for a new attack from Belarus toward Kyiv and Chernihiv. However, Ukraine saw no Russian forces gathering for such an operation.
Russia exhausted the cash in its main budget account during April. The government then cut unprotected civilian spending by more than 35%. Infrastructure spending suffered heavily.
John Ratcliffe, the CIA director, proposed a three-way summit during his recent Moscow visit. The talks would involve Donald Trump, the US president, Vladimir Putin, Russia’s president, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s president. Ratcliffe also urged Russia to resume peace talks and avoid attacking NATO members.
Armed Israeli settlers beat eight journalists covering unrest in the West Bank. Settler attacks have forced hundreds of Palestinians from their communities. Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, condemned the attack, and Israeli authorities opened an investigation.
Israel struck southern Lebanon and a Hamas figure near a hospital complex in central Gaza. Israeli forces also killed a Hamas unit commander linked to the October 2023 attack.
Washington told Saudi Arabia it would support a possible campaign against Yemen’s Houthis. However, the United States would not lead the operation. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had requested US leadership.
The Pentagon will end its security and military support agreement with Kurdish Peshmerga forces in northern Iraq.
North Korea replaced No Kwang-chol, its defence minister, after a senior ruling party military meeting. His successor was not identified.