Ukrainian drones struck Russia's Black Sea port of Tuapse on Friday for the fourth time in 16 days, as authorities struggled to contain a growing environmental disaster from toxic smoke and oil spills. Ukraine's SBU security service confirmed the attack on the seaport and refinery, which are crucial for Russian oil exports. Local officials reported a major firefighting operation underway but no casualties.
The refinery has been hit and set ablaze at least twice since 16 April, halting production and releasing dense black clouds over the town, while oil slicks have polluted the coastline of the popular resort. Russian authorities said they had cleared over 13,300 cubic metres of fuel oil and contaminated soil, with state TV showing a reporter on a blackened beach demonstrating the depth of the oozing filth.
Russia launched nearly 410 drones at Ukraine in a daytime attack, injuring 10 people in the western city of Ternopil, Ukrainian officials said. Ukraine's air force reported downing or neutralising 388 drones across the north, south, centre and west. In Ternopil, about 150-200km from the Polish border, industrial and infrastructure facilities were hit. In central Ukraine, 19 drones were downed over the Cherkasy region, damaging a nursery, school, seven houses and a power line. A woman was hurt in the Vinnytsia region, and near Odesa, a shopping centre roof was damaged and a fire started.
Ukraine announced plans to reform its army this summer to address infantry shortages and the discharge of long-serving soldiers. President Zelenskyy said on Telegram that key details would be finalised in May, with the reform beginning in June. He promised higher pay for infantry, stating: 'A Ukrainian infantryman who holds the front line must feel that our state truly respects him.' Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov described the changes as a 'systemic' transformation.
Peruvian prosecutors are investigating an alleged trafficking network that lured Peruvians to Russia with fake job offers before forcing them to fight in Ukraine. The attorney general's office said victims were recruited via social media with deceptive offers of well-paid security work, then forced into combat. A lawyer for victims' families told local media that 13 Peruvians had died in the war.
