Ukraine has intensified its drone operations inside Russia, targeting Moscow, strategic energy infrastructure, and military storage facilities. The attacks come just hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected a US-mediated ceasefire proposal.
Strikes on Moscow
Overnight, Ukrainian drones attacked Moscow for the second time in a week. Russian authorities claim air defences intercepted four drones en route to the capital, with Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stating that the strikes caused minimal damage and no casualties.
The latest attack follows an earlier drone strike on Moscow on Tuesday morning, which hit residential buildings hours before Ukrainian officials participated in peace discussions in Saudi Arabia.
Targeting of Russian Energy and Military Infrastructure
In addition to the strikes on Moscow, Ukraine launched attacks on key Russian energy and military facilities. According to security sources cited by Ukrainska Pravda, Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) drones struck two gas compressor stations and a missile storage site.
The targeted energy facilities—Davydovskaya in Tambov Oblast and Novopetrovskaya in Saratov Oblast—suffered significant damage, with footage from Russian sources showing industrial equipment ablaze following powerful explosions. These compressor stations play a critical role in Russia’s gas distribution network.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian drones also hit a field storage site for S-300 and S-400 missile systems near the settlement of Radkovka in Belgorod Oblast. Reports suggest that the strike triggered a chain detonation of stored ammunition, indicating severe destruction.
Oil Refinery in Krasnodar Krai Targeted
Ukraine also struck an oil refinery in Tuapse, Krasnodar Krai. This follows Kyiv’s strategy of targeting Russian energy infrastructure to disrupt military logistics. The Tuapse facility is among several refineries and depots attacked in recent months, with Ukraine seeking to limit Russia’s ability to sustain its war effort.
Putin Rejects Ceasefire Talks
The escalation follows Putin’s rejection of a ceasefire offer proposed by Ukraine. Kyiv had suggested halting long-range strikes as a precondition for negotiations aimed at ending the war. However, Putin dismissed the proposal, stating he was open to a ceasefire only on Russia’s terms.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded by accusing Russia of prolonging the conflict, stating that Moscow “needs war” to continue.
Right now, we have all heard from Russia Putin’s highly predictable and manipulative words in response to the idea of a ceasefire on the front lines—at this moment he is, in fact, preparing to reject it.
Of course, Putin is afraid to tell President Trump directly that he wants… pic.twitter.com/SWbYwMGA46
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 13, 2025
Western officials remain sceptical of Putin’s intentions, viewing his stance as a tactical delay rather than a genuine move toward peace.
Russian Advances in Kursk
Meanwhile, Russian forces are reportedly advancing in the Kursk region, applying pressure on Ukraine’s eastern front. The renewed offensive underscores the ongoing intensity of the conflict despite diplomatic overtures.
With both sides ramping up military operations, the prospects of a near-term resolution appear increasingly distant. The latest strikes indicate that Ukraine remains committed to disrupting Russian military and energy infrastructure while seeking leverage in potential negotiations.
