Ukraine strikes Russian oil hub and airbase in massive drone attack

Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Russia, striking the Samara oil export station and the Lipetsk-2 military airbase with nearly 1,200 drones, causing major fires and damage. The Samara station, which blends Urals crude oil accounting for up to half of Russia's exports, was hit Friday, with Ukraine's General Staff saying every damaged tank strikes at Russia's main funding source for the war. Russian officials reported shooting down 235 drones. The attacks follow US-Russian talks in Abu Dhabi aimed at ending the war, with Russia reviving a 2021 proposal to limit NATO expansion. European leaders, including Germany's Friedrich Merz, rejected this, and Europe secured a place in upcoming negotiations.