Drone strike on Volgograd refinery and Estonian aid package to Ukraine - Weekend brief
Collage by RBC-Ukraine
On February 3rd, Russia's largest oil refinery, located in Volgograd, was the result of a successful attack by the Security Service of Ukraine. And Estonia has delivered a new military aid package to Ukraine, including Javelin anti-tank missiles
More details on what happened over the weekend can be found in the material by RBC-Ukraine.
Russia's war against Ukraine
News for February 3:
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ISW analysts emphasize that the lack of ammunition may force Ukrainian troops to make difficult decisions about prioritizing certain areas of the front;
- The crew commander of a Tu-95 strategic bomber was shot in Engels, Russia.
News for February 4:
- Warsaw has allocated credit for joint arms production between Ukraine and Poland;
- The Wagnerians continue to train the Belarusian military. It is unlikely that the leader of the Belarusian regime, Alexander Lukashenko, will use Wagner mercenaries outside their competence.
Security Service of Ukraine strikes Volgograd refinery with drones: Sources
Drones of the Security Service of Ukraine attacked an oil refinery in the Russian city of Volgograd. Subsequently, a fire broke out at the site, according to the own sources of RBC-Ukraine.
"The SSU continues systematically destroying the infrastructure that Russia uses for its war in Ukraine. By targeting oil refineries tied to the Russian military-industrial complex, we not only disrupt the fuel supply logistics for enemy vehicles but also diminish contributions to the Russian budget," reports the source.
Meanwhile, on the night of February 3, Russians reported drone attacks in the Belgorod and Volgograd regions. Specifically, explosions were heard in the vicinity of the Lukoil oil refinery in Volgograd.
Estonia delivers new aid package to Ukraine, featuring Javelin missiles
Estonia has delivered a new military aid package to Ukraine, including Javelin anti-tank missiles, according to the Estonian Ministry of Defense.
Javelin missiles, purchased by Estonia in December, have already arrived in Ukraine. The aid package also includes machine guns, ammunition for small arms, various ground and water vehicles, and diving equipment.
"I am pleased that another aid package has reached Ukraine, and Ukrainian defenders are using it. Recent events in Europe show that the delivery of crucial missiles and other military aid to Ukraine continues on a large scale, and this time, with our allies, we send a clear message to the Kremlin that we will continue to support Ukraine until there is a decisive end," said Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur.
Grain exports from Ukraine return to pre-war level
In 6 months, Ukraine exported more than 20 million tons of cargo from Odesa ports to 32 countries through the Ukrainian corridor, states the Vice Prime Minister for Reconstruction of Ukraine Oleksandr Kubrakov.
"In the six months of the Ukrainian corridor's operation, 661 vessels have exported more than 20 million tons of cargo to 32 countries. 14.3 million tons are the products of Ukrainian farmers. Ukraine continues to ensure the world's food security," Kubrakov said.
U.S. and Japan identify China as hypothetical enemy during training
The United States and Japan named China as a hypothetical enemy for the first time during their joint command and control exercises, reports Kyodo agency.
The military computer simulation exercise, which began on February 1 and will last until Thursday, envisions an emergency in Taiwan. Previously, the enemy's name was used as a conventional one, but this time, according to government sources, China was chosen as the enemy.
Poland warns of 'unplanned military actions' along border with Russia and Belarus
Poland has issued a navigation warning for airspace users along the border with Russia and Belarus. The warning refers to the possibility of "unplanned military activity."
The NOTAM was issued to warn civilian airspace users of possible increased activity of military aircraft in the eastern part of Polish airspace in response to a "threatening situation on the eastern border."
"Navigation warnings of unplanned military activities related to national security are a routine message in cases where it is necessary to ensure the safety of traffic in Polish airspace," the operational command explained.
Ukraine's entry to Eurovision 2024 revealed
The national selection for Eurovision 2024 took place on February 3. In the final, the duo Jerry Heil and Alyona Alyona won with the song "Teresa & Maria" and will have the honor of representing Ukraine at the prestigious song contest in Malmö.
RBC-Ukraine tells you more about how the professional jury and the audience voted in the final of the National Selection when the contest will take place and interesting facts about the winning song.
Zelenskyy awards intelligence officers for sinking Russian missile boat Ivanovets
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded the servicemen of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) who showed exceptional courage during special combat missions, in particular, the destruction of the Russian missile boat Ivanovets, reports the press service of the President's Office.
As Zelenskyy emphasized in his address to the DIU, the Russians really feel the pain of the actions of Ukrainian intelligence officers. And the perpetrators of the war must suffer losses from it every day.
In addition, the President emphasized the success of the DIU's soldiers at sea. This refers to the destruction of the Russian missile boat "Ivanovets" near the occupied Crimea.
"The complex operation at the Donuzlav Lake raid - six direct hits of naval drones into the hull of the Ivanovets. It was really strong. And I thank you for this strength," he said.
