Moscow: Russia has disclosed drone strikes on industrial facilities in Tatarstan, resulting in injuries and damage. The affected sites include an oil refinery and a business park known for chemical and metal production. Notably, the strikes occurred more than 1,100 kilometers away from the Ukrainian border.
A Ukrainian intelligence source, speaking to Reuters, confirmed that Kyiv had inflicted “significant damage” on a military target in Tatarstan.
Simultaneously, European officials convene in The Hague to explore avenues for prosecuting Russia for alleged war crimes committed in Ukraine. The focus lies on establishing mechanisms for Ukrainian citizens to seek compensation for property damage or loss.
Here’s a summary of the latest developments in Russia’s conflict with Ukraine on April 2:
Hague Conference on Prosecuting Russian War Crimes
Ministers and officials from various European nations gather in The Hague to discuss the prosecution of Russian war crimes in Ukraine. Central to the conference is the establishment of a formal register for Ukrainians to lodge compensation claims, initially concentrating on residential property damage. Key speakers include Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, who had previously issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and other Kremlin officials.
Also Read: Kharkiv Crisis: Russian Forces Escalate Attacks on Ukrainian Region
Drone Strikes Reported in Tatarstan
Russia confirms drone attacks on industrial sites in Tatarstan, resulting in injuries. The strikes targeted facilities in Yelabuga, housing chemical and mechanical engineering plants, as well as metal treatment factories. While some damage occurred, the technological processes of the enterprises were reportedly unaffected. Notably, air defenses in Nizhnekamsk thwarted an attempted attack on an oil refinery. Despite a drone hitting the Taneco oil refinery, swift action prevented substantial damage, according to Russian officials.
Ukrainian Counteractions and Energy Facility Targeted
Ukraine’s military reports fresh attacks on its energy infrastructure by Russia, with a high-voltage substation in the Kirovohrad region hit by a drone, causing a fire. Additionally, nine drones were intercepted over Dnipropetrovsk, leading to fires in the regional capital. These incidents follow a pattern of Russian assaults on Ukrainian power stations, resulting in widespread blackouts.
Explosives Seized at Russian Border
Russia’s FSB security service announces the seizure of explosives at the Latvia border, concealed within Orthodox Christian religious icons. The discovery, made during a cargo inspection in the Pskov region, underscores concerns regarding cross-border trafficking of explosives. The FSB alleges the cargo originated from Ukraine, passing through several European Union countries before reaching Russia.
