Ukrainian drones struck the Russian Black Sea port of Tuapse on Friday for the fourth time in 16 days, hitting a refinery and seaport that are vital for Russian oil exports. The attacks have caused toxic black smoke clouds and oil slicks along the coastline, exacerbating an environmental disaster in the popular resort area. Local Russian officials said a major firefighting operation was underway, but no casualties were reported.
Russian authorities reported they had cleared more than 13,300 cubic metres of fuel oil and contaminated soil from the coast. State television showed a reporter standing on a blackened beach, using a spade to demonstrate the depth of the oozing filth. The refinery has been set ablaze at least twice since 16 April, halting production and ruining local beaches.
In a separate development, Ukraine launched nearly 410 drones at Russia in a daytime attack that injured 10 people in the western city of Ternopil. Ukraine's air force said it downed or neutralised 388 of the drones across the north, south, centre and west of the country. In Ternopil, about 150-200km from the Polish border, industrial and infrastructure facilities were hit, according to the city's mayor.
Central Ukraine's Cherkasy region reported damage to a nursery, school, seven private houses and a power line after 19 drones were downed there. A woman was injured in the central Vinnytsia region, where a building was destroyed. Near Odesa, a daytime attack damaged a shopping centre roof and caused a fire; President Zelenskyy said at least five people were wounded in the region.
Ukraine has announced plans to reform its army this summer, addressing infantry shortages and the discharge of long-serving soldiers. “Now, in May, all key details will be finalised,” Zelenskyy said on Telegram on Friday. “In June, the reform will begin – and the first results must already be delivered 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.”
Meanwhile, Peruvian public prosecutors said they were investigating an alleged trafficking network that offered fake jobs in Russia to Peruvians before forcing them to fight in Moscow's war. Individuals including former military personnel were recruited via social media with deceptive offers of well-paid work. The attorney general's office said victims were taken to Russia and forced into combat. A lawyer for victims' families told local media that 13 Peruvians had died in the Ukraine war.
