Ukrainian drone strikes hit Russian oil refineries in Samara region

Russian oil refineries in the Samara region were reportedly hit by Ukrainian drone strikes on Friday morning, causing a fire at a Rosneft facility in Novokuybyshevsk and temporarily closing Samara's airport. Ukrainian media, citing Telegram channels Exilenova+ and Astra, reported explosions and air defense activation before a drone warning was issued. The refinery produces fuel for Russian military aircraft, and local videos showed large smoke plumes over the city. The Wall Street Journal reported Ukraine had unofficially agreed to halt attacks on Russian oil facilities until after the US midterm elections, following pressure from the American president. Ukraine's government has not confirmed this, with President Zelenskyy seeking expanded protection for Ukrainian energy sites in exchange.