Moscow – Russian President Vladimir Putin characterized the extensive Ukrainian attack on the Rostov region in southern Russia as an “unequivocal terrorist act.” During an emergency meeting with the Russian Security Council on Saturday, Putin lauded the professionalism of air traffic controllers who prevented a major disaster, emphasizing that the direct targeting of transport infrastructure was intended to compromise civil aviation safety and claim civilian lives.
Targeting Energy Facilities and Shipping in the Sea of Azov
On the ground, Yuri Slyusar, acting governor of the Rostov region, announced that air defenses successfully downed 29 drones, though one managed to strike its target, resulting in at least one fatality and several injuries. The attack also damaged a foreign-flagged commercial vessel in the Sea of Azov. A massive fire erupted at petroleum storage depots in Taganrog following strikes on oil refineries and vital facilities, while residential and commercial buildings sustained significant damage.
Breach of “Victory Day Truce” and Wide Escalation
The attack constitutes a clear breach of the unilateral truce announced by Russia on May 4 to mark “Victory Day,” which was intended to last until May 11. Moscow stated that continued Ukrainian operations reflect Kyiv’s rejection of de-escalation efforts. In a related statement, the Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the destruction of 85 Ukrainian drones across several regions, including Belgorod, Kursk, Rostov, and Crimea, in one of the broadest aerial defense operations witnessed recently.
