International

Russia hit by massive drone attack

On the night of Thursday, December 19th, the Rostov region was struck by a massive aerial attack. Over 30 drones and three missiles targeted multiple cities.

According to interim regional governor Yuri Sliusari, air defense forces were mobilized to protect the cities of Taganrog, Bataisk, Rostov, Shakhty, Kamensk, Millerovo, and NovoShakhtinsk.

Despite these efforts, a fire broke out at the NovoShakhtinsk oil refinery. An oil distillation unit was damaged, and a person was injured by falling drone debris in a nearby settlement, DW reported.

"Unfortunately, a person was injured in a nearby settlement due to falling drone debris. They have received necessary medical attention. Information regarding other ground-level consequences is still being clarified," the deputy governor stated around 6:00 AM Moscow time.

Publications Astra and Baza shared video footage of the fire at the NovoShakhtinsk refinery, where residents reported over 40 explosions. A Ukrainian source claimed the attack damaged the AVT-6 atmospheric and vacuum distillation unit. This marks the second major attack on the refinery in six months, with the first incident occurring in June 2024.

Air raid sirens blared in northern Rostov-on-Don, and eyewitnesses reported explosions in the air.

As of now, Russian and Ukrainian authorities have not issued official statements, and information about the damage is still being updated.

Translation by Iurie Tataru

Bogdan Nigai

Bogdan Nigai

Author

Read more

Call center scam case // Three more people arrested for 30 days
Social

Call center scam case // Three more people arrested for 30 days

Three other individuals were arrested in connection with the call center scam case. According to the PCCOCS, they will be investigated while under house arrest and monitored with electronic bracelets. This court ruling, requested by prosecutors, follows the preventive arrest of nine others on Friday, who will be held for 20 and 30 days.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs was not notified of the presence of Moldovan citizens among the victims of the Magdeburg attack
Social

Ministry of Foreign Affairs was not notified of the presence of Moldovan citizens among the victims of the Magdeburg attack

No Moldovan citizen is currently among the victims of the car attack that occurred on Friday evening at the Christmas Market in the German city of Magdeburg, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Chisinau. The ministry reports that the Moldovan embassy in Berlin is in constant communication with German authorities. As of now, the incident has resulted in at least four deaths and approximately 200 injuries. The identities of all the victims have not yet been disclosed, and authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event.

Amusement park "Găgăuzia Land" is operating unlawfully, in the face of ongoing criminal investigations. Head of the IGP reacts
Social

Amusement park "Găgăuzia Land" is operating unlawfully, in the face of ongoing criminal investigations. Head of the IGP reacts

The amusement park "Găgăuzia Land," located in the village of Congaz, continues to operate without a permit. Despite this, the park launched its winter holiday festivities on the evening of December 20. The police have concluded two criminal cases related to the park, which have been sent to the court. Viorel Cernăuțeanu, the head of the IGP, stated that only local authorities have the power to halt the park's operations. Meanwhile, the mayor of Congaz said that he is awaiting the court's final decision regarding the matter.