A series of drone attacks by Ukraine on Russia's energy facilities have sparked fires in recent days at a major oil refinery in the Volgograd region, as well as at the Astrakhan gas processing plant. Veniamin Kondratyev, governor of the Krasnodar region, said that there were no injuries in the fire that was caused by falling drone debris. A team of 19 people wielding 19 items of equipment were fighting the flames, he said.
The Russian defence ministry said that four Ukrainian drones were destroyed over the Russian territory overnight, but did not mention the Krasnodar region in a statement on the Telegram messaging app.
Governor Igor Babushkin said the gas that people could smell was the result of work to restart production at the plant after it was shut down as a result of the Ukrainian attack. Meanwhile, Mr Zelensky announced the return from Russian captivity of soldiers in the latest swap between the countries. The deal was brokered by the United Arab Emirates. Some of the boys were held captive for more than two years," he said on the Telegram messaging app. During his visit, the second since he became foreign minister last year, Lammy met Mr Zelensky and other government figures to discuss how Britain and international partners can continue to support Ukraine.
Mr Lammy's visit comes as Kyiv tries to establish close relations with the new administration of US President Donald Trump , who has said he wants to bring a quick end to the nearly three-year-old war with Russia. From news to politics, travel to sport, culture to climate β The Independent has a host of free newsletters to suit your interests. To find the stories you want to read, and more, in your inbox, click here.
Ukraine hits Russian oil depot in drone strike as prisoners of war exchanged. Story by Tom Watling.
