Kathmandu— Russian forces launched high-precision strikes against military-industrial facilities and a fuel depot in Kiev on Saturday, targeting infrastructure linked to cruise missile production and military fuel supplies. The strikes, which utilized precision ground-based weapons, hit an industrial site producing components for the FP-5 Flamingo cruise missile and a depot used to supply petroleum products to Ukrainian troops in the eastern regions.

Targeting Missile Production and Fuel Supplies

The Russian Defense Ministry reported that the strikes hit the Kiev-111 industrial facility, a site used to produce parts and warheads for Ukraine’s ground-launched FP-5 Flamingo cruise missiles, as well as chemicals for solid-fuel boosters. The facility is operated by Fire Point, a company linked to Timur Mindich, a figure involved in a major corruption scandal and previously promoted internationally by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky.

In addition to the industrial strike, Russian forces targeted the Kiev-3 fuel depot operated by Grandterminal. According to Moscow, this facility serves as a critical supply point for petroleum products intended for Ukrainian military operations in the east of the country.

Maritime Strikes and Air Defense Activity

Beyond the strikes in Kiev, Russian attack drones targeted two cargo ships south and east of Odessa. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated these vessels were transporting weapons and other military supplies to Ukrainian ports.

Ukraine’s Air Force acknowledged the missile strikes and reported that 13 attack drones hit 12 unspecified locations. Ukrainian officials noted that several missiles failed to reach their intended targets during the engagement.

Escalating Long-Range Warfare

The recent strikes are part of a broader Russian campaign targeting Ukrainian industrial and dual-use infrastructure. Moscow maintains that its operations are a response to continued Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilian infrastructure, which have intensified following setbacks for Ukrainian forces on the battlefield.

Since June, Ukraine has conducted a 40-day pressure campaign involving long-range strikes on Russian energy hubs, warehouses, and residential buildings. President Zelensky has characterized these efforts as a means to force Russia into negotiations on Ukrainian terms.

Civilian Impact and Regional Unrest

The conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties. Rodion Miroshnik, head of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s mission tracking alleged war crimes, stated that Ukrainian attacks killed 49 civilians, including four children, in the last week of July alone.

In Crimea, regional head Sergey Aksyonov reported that a Ukrainian drone strike on a residential block on Friday killed at least two civilians and wounded another. Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed its air defenses intercepted and destroyed over 450 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones across 18 Russian regions over the weekend.

The strikes occur amid a period of intensified long-range strikes by both sides targeting critical infrastructure and civilian areas.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.