Recent Refinery Attack Demonstrates 'Absolutely No Safe Locations in the Russian Distant Backlines'
Ukraine's UAVs have hit Russia's Bashneft processing plant in Ufa, positioned approximately 1,400 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, triggering explosions and a blaze, according to a informed individual in the Ukrainian SBU.
This represents the 3rd Ukrainian security service deep strike in Bashkortostan in the past month. These attacks show that there are no protected areas in the distant backlines of the Russia.
Zelenskyy Appeals to Trump to Mediate Ceasefire in the Conflict
President Zelenskyy appealed to the US President to facilitate a truce in the Ukrainian conflict in a call on the weekend.
"Provided that a conflict can be ended in a particular zone, then undoubtedly further hostilities can be halted as well, covering the conflict with Russia," the President said, hailing Trump's "outstanding" Middle East truce proposal and requesting the American leader to compel the Russian government into discussions.
Moscow's Assaults Take Lives in the Country
Strikes by Russia on Ukrainian territory resulted in the deaths of several civilians on Saturday and caused blackouts to sections of Ukraine's south Odesa area, per local sources.
Two people lost their lives within a religious building in the town when it was targeted, according to regional officials.
In Russia's adjacent territory of the Belgorod region, a vehicle operator was lost his life by a Ukrainian strike, per regional authorities.
Electricity Recovery Work in the Capital
Work proceeded on Saturday to recover electricity in Kyiv, after Russian attacks.
Energy had been recovered to over 800,000 inhabitants by the weekend and the major power firm stated the main work to repair the grid was finished though partial blackouts continued.
Air Defence Operations and UAV Downings
Ukraine's air defences neutralized 54 of 78 total Russian drones deployed targeting Ukraine during the night, the air force announced on Saturday.
Russia's defence ministry claimed it shot down forty-two drones over its own soil.
Cuba Denies Claims of Deploying Forces to Ukraine
Havana on the weekend denied US assertions it has deployed troops to engage in the conflict in Ukraine, while affirming officials in Havana "are without precise details about citizens of Cuba" involved "voluntarily" or "in the military forces of the conflicting parties".
The ministry in the capital announced 26 Cubans had been convicted to jail sentences ranging from five to 14 years for mercenary activity since September 2023 when news emerged of Cuban nationals being deployed to the battlefield in the conflict.
Surrender Initiative Initiative Discloses Data on Cuban Recruitment
The program, a state project that encourages opposing fighters to surrender, said in May: "We reliably know the personal data of 1,028 individuals who enlisted with the Russian armed forces in the past two years."
The Cuban authorities stated of Cubans who might be engaged: "It is irrefutable that not a single one have the backing, dedication, or authorization of the Cuban state for their activities."
Kin of Cuban nationals who traveled to Russia in 2023 told Agence France-Presse at the time that their relatives had been tricked into joining through ads on digital networks.