Ukraine Strikes Russian Caspian Fleet Base, Ryazan Refinery; Recaptures Odradne
Ukraine struck Russia's Caspian Fleet base and Ryazan refinery, while recapturing Odradne. Russia plans strikes on Kyiv's leadership and seeks Belarus's help. A Kyiv missile strike killed 24; 205 Ukrainian defenders were freed in a US/UAE-mediated exchange. The US House will vote on $9.3 billion Ukraine aid.
Ukraine conducted strikes deep inside Russia, targeting the Caspian Sea base of Kaspiysk, home to missile-capable ships used in Kalibr strikes, and Rosneft's Ryazan refinery. The General Staff reported damage to naval vessels and the refinery, which supplies fuel to regions around Moscow. Additionally, two Russian air defense systems (Tor-M2 in Luhansk, Pantsir-S1 in Crimea), a Be-200 amphibious aircraft, and a Ka-27 helicopter in Yeysk were destroyed.
Ukrainian forces also recaptured Odradne in northeastern Kharkiv Oblast, with the 129th Brigade's storm units pushing out Russian forces. Meanwhile, Russia is reportedly planning strikes on Ukraine's Presidential Office and state residences, and seeking Belarus's involvement in new aggressive operations against Ukraine or NATO.
On the humanitarian front, a Russian missile strike in Kyiv resulted in 24 deaths, including three girls aged 12, 15, and 17. Separately, 205 Ukrainian defenders, mostly from Mariupol, were returned in a prisoner exchange mediated by the US and UAE. The US House discharge petition reached 218 signatures, forcing a vote on $1.3 billion in military aid and up to $8 billion in direct loans for Ukraine.