Kathmandu— Russia’s Ministry of Defence stated its forces struck a railway station in the Danube port city of Izmail, Ukraine, and two vessels near Mykolaiv on Friday, as Ukrainian drones simultaneously targeted facilities within Russia including an oil export terminal and a warehouse northwest of Moscow. The reciprocal attacks represent a continuing escalation of hostilities, with both sides targeting critical infrastructure to disrupt supply lines and economic activity. Russian authorities reported downed drones and temporary flight restrictions around Moscow, while Latvia and Finland implemented security measures in response to the regional drone activity.

Ukrainian Drone Strikes Target Russian Infrastructure

Russian officials reported a fire broke out at Ust-Luga, a major Baltic Sea oil export port in the Leningrad region, following a Ukrainian drone attack. Regional Governor Alexander Drozdenko confirmed the fire was quickly contained and no casualties were reported. He also stated that over 50 drones had been intercepted overnight in the area surrounding St Petersburg.

Further south, the governor of Russia’s Tver region said debris from downed drones damaged a warehouse wall belonging to online retailer Wildberries, located northwest of Moscow. The facility has reportedly been targeted more than 20 times in the past month, though no injuries were reported in the latest incident.

Russian Military Actions Focus on Ukrainian Ports

The Russian Ministry of Defence claimed its forces struck a railway station in Izmail, alleging it was used to store and transport military cargo and fuel for Ukraine’s armed forces. This follows earlier attacks that damaged port infrastructure and caused power outages in the vital Danube River export hub near the Romanian border.

The ministry also stated that Russian forces targeted two tugboats off the coast of Mykolaiv, asserting they were escorting cargo vessels carrying weapons to Ukrainian ports.

Baltic States Heighten Security Measures

The overnight drone activity prompted defensive responses beyond Russia and Ukraine. Latvia’s armed forces reported intercepting a drone that entered its airspace with fighter jets. Finland temporarily restricted maritime movement in parts of the Baltic Sea as a precautionary measure against potential further incidents.

Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency, Rosaviatsia, also implemented temporary flight restrictions at all Moscow-area airports to ensure flight safety due to the ongoing drone threat.

The exchange of attacks continues to escalate tensions in the region, with both sides demonstrating a willingness to target critical infrastructure. Further developments are expected as the conflict persists.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.