Ukrainian forces advance south of Novopavlivka; drone strike hits Volgograd NPP

Ukraine conducted a series of significant long-range drone strikes against Russian territory, primarily targeting energy infrastructure in Volgograd and Samara Oblasts, and an airbase. Fatalities were reported in Volgograd and Rostov-on-Don, with claims of a Volgograd refinery strike impacting gasoline production and an unconfirmed attack on the Volgograd Nuclear Power Plant. These incidents demonstrate Ukraine's expanding deep-strike capabilities and willingness to target critical Russian assets far from the front lines.