Russia opens terrorism case over Ukrainian attack on industrial facility near Moscow

Russian investigators have opened a criminal case on terrorism charges over Ukrainian overnight drone attacks on an industrial facility and civilian infrastructure in the Nizhny Novgorod region, east of Moscow, state news agency TASS reported on Sunday, citing the Investigative Committee.

The attack comes amid renewed Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, with Moscow saying Friday that Kyiv had resumed attacks on its oil refineries after a pause of several days. (REUTERS)Gleb Nikitin, governor of the Nizhny Novgorod region, said a "massive drone attack" occurred during the night, adding that an industrial enterprise in the Kstovo district had sustained significant damage.

He did not identify the facility or specify its activities but said emergency services had been deployed. "More than 100 drones destroyed," Nikitin reportedly said, adding that, according to preliminary information, there were no casualties.

The region is home to the NORSI oil refinery, one of Russia's largest, which produces fuel and lubricants. Ukrainian media also reported that the facility was targeted in the overnight attack. Russian authorities have not confirmed whether the industrial enterprise damaged in the Nizhny Novgorod region was the NORSI oil refinery.

The governor also did not provide details about the extent of the damage or the specific activities of the facility. The attack comes amid renewed Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, with Moscow saying Friday that Kyiv had resumed attacks on its oil refineries after a pause of several days.

Senior Russian official Alexander Novak told a state television reporter that Ukrainian forces had attacked three oil refineries and a gas-chemical complex. The latest incident also follows repeated Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil and gas facilities since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Kyiv has said such strikes are in retaliation for Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump had been pressuring Kyiv for weeks to halt such attacks, blaming them for contributing to rising diesel prices.

Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs.

The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals.

The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources.

Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More