Kathmandu— At least thirteen people were killed and forty-eight wounded Monday in a Ukrainian drone attack on Nizhnekamsk, a city within Russia’s Tatarstan region, according to local authorities. The region, located over 1,000 kilometers from the border with Ukraine, is home to several major oil refineries that have been increasingly targeted by Kyiv as both countries escalate long-range attacks on critical infrastructure. The United Nations has reported a recent increase in civilian casualties in both Russia and Ukraine due to these strikes.

Targeting of Russian Infrastructure

Nizhnekamsk’s mayor, Radmir Belyayev, stated that industrial and civilian targets were hit during Monday's strike. Ukraine’s military confirmed it targeted the Taneco oil refinery overnight, reporting a fire at the site. These attacks on refineries have contributed to fuel shortages within Russia and reduced its overall oil-refining capacity.

Escalation of Conflict

The exchange of long-range strikes comes as both sides intensify their military actions. The United Nations has noted a concerning rise in civilian casualties across both Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the growing impact of the conflict on non-combatants. Russia also continues to launch attacks into Ukrainian territory, utilizing missiles, glide bombs, and drones that have resulted in thousands of civilian deaths according to UN reports.

Kyiv’s Strategic Objectives

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy explained that the air campaign is intended to compel Russian President Vladimir Putin to enter negotiations aimed at ending the over four-year full-scale invasion of Ukraine. “We do deliver entirely justified responses, and every Russian strike will be met with our response,” Zelenskyy stated in a social media post Sunday. “Russia's war will be felt more and more at their own home — in Russia.”

Conflicting Claims of Drone Interceptions

Ukraine reported launching 126 drones overnight, while the Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted 456 Ukrainian drones. The ministry did not specify how many drones successfully reached their targets or were downed specifically within the Tatarstan region. Simultaneously, a separate Russian artillery strike in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region killed five people in the village of Bugaivka, according to Ukrainian officials.

The situation remains volatile as both sides continue military operations and claim successes in intercepting enemy attacks. Further developments are expected as the conflict persists.

(With inputs from DW)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.