Russia Shoots Down Ukrainian Drones; Kyiv Struck, Zelenskyy Seeks Energy Deals

Web Desk (MNN); Tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalated further as the Russian Defence Ministry accused Ukraine of targeting civilian facilities, claiming that its overnight missile and drone strikes on Kyiv and other locations were retaliatory.

According to the ministry, more than 60 Ukrainian drones were intercepted over the southern Krasnodar region, which borders Crimea. Meanwhile, 45 drones were destroyed over the Saratov region further inside Russia, and another 19 drones were shot down over Crimea.

In Novorossiysk, a strategic port city in Krasnodar, the attack caused damage to an oil depot at the Sheskharis transshipment complex, as well as to unidentified coastal infrastructure, local authorities reported.

The Meduza news outlet described Sheskharis as one of southern Russia’s largest oil loading facilities. Falling debris from drones also hit a civilian vessel in the port, hospitalizing three crew members, while several residential buildings sustained damage, resulting in one hospitalization.

Ukraine’s Armed Forces General Staff reported that its troops engaged in 256 combat clashes with Russian forces on the same day, over 100 of which occurred in eastern Ukraine’s Pokrovsk region—a strategic point for Russia’s operations in Donetsk. Fighting was also intense around Slovyansk, Lymanske, Kostyantynivka, Oleksandrivka, and Hulyaipole.

Meanwhile, North Korean troops who assisted Russia in repelling a major Ukrainian incursion into western Kursk are now reportedly helping clear the area of anti-tank and anti-personnel mines.

Russian outlet Krasnaya Zvezda reported that soldiers are dealing with previously unseen mine density, many of which were supplied by NATO countries.

North Korean troops were seen being trained on mine detection equipment and taking part in patriotic exercises. Russia’s Defence Ministry said that under a mutual defence pact, 14,000 North Korean soldiers were sent to Kursk last year, with over 6,000 casualties.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meanwhile focused on Europe’s energy cooperation, stating that Ukraine is negotiating gas agreements with Norway, Greece, and other states to secure winter supplies.

Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have caused repeated power cuts, complicating civilian life in winter months.

Major-General Vadym Skibitskyi of Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence warned that Russian strikes on energy infrastructure are likely to continue, aimed at destabilizing the country and pressuring it in any peace negotiations. He also highlighted that street battles in Pokrovsk continue, where Russian forces aim to push toward the Donetsk boundaries.

Economically, Russia’s GDP grew only 0.6 percent year-on-year in the third quarter, according to Rosstat, down from 1.1 percent the previous quarter. High military spending initially supported the economy but fueled inflation and stressed the civilian sector. New U.S. sanctions targeting Rosneft and Lukoil, Russia’s largest oil companies, further weigh on the economy.

European NATO allies—including Germany, France, Italy, Poland, and the U.K.—pledged enhanced cooperation against hybrid threats like drone attacks, cyber operations, and disinformation campaigns.

They emphasized unwavering support for Ukraine and committed to rebuilding and modernizing their militaries, including drone defense systems and information-sharing mechanisms.

Zelenskyy also updated the public on air defense measures after Russia’s drone blitz on Kyiv. On Telegram, he noted that military, intelligence, and regional officials are reviewing strategies to strengthen air defense, including expanded deployment of elite drone units such as the 414th Unmanned Strike Aviation Brigade. He accused Russia of “training drone operators at the expense of Ukrainian lives.”

In upcoming diplomatic efforts, Zelenskyy plans visits to Paris and Madrid to meet French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish parliament deputies, respectively. Spain pledged 1 billion euros in military aid last year and reiterated continued support for Ukraine until a just and lasting peace is achieved.