Ukrainian drones paid their fourth visit in 16 days to Russia’s Black Sea port of Tuapse on Friday, apparently unsatisfied with the previous three attempts at redecorating the refinery. Ukraine’s SBU security service confirmed the strike on the seaport and refinery, which together make Tuapse a key node in Russia’s oil-export network. Local Russian officials acknowledged a major firefighting operation was underway but, mercifully, reported no casualties. The refinery has been hit and set ablaze at least twice since 16 April, halting production and treating the town to dense black smoke clouds while oil slicks have ruined the coastline of this popular resort - because nothing says vacation like toxic goo on the beach.
Russian authorities claim to have cleared more than 13,300 cubic metres of fuel oil and contaminated soil along the coast. State TV bravely sent a reporter to stand on a blackened beach and demonstrate, with a spade, just how deep the oozing filth has seeped. It’s the kind of holiday advertising that makes you rethink that Russian Riviera trip.
On the same day, Russia launched almost 410 drones at Ukraine, injuring 10 people in the western city of Ternopil. Ukraine’s air force said it downed or neutralised 388 of them across the north, south, centre and west of the country. In Ternopil, about 150-200km from the Polish border, the mayor reported damage to industrial and infrastructure facilities. In central Ukraine’s Cherkasy region, 19 drones were downed, but not before damaging a nursery, a school, seven private houses and a power line. A woman was hurt in the Vinnytsia region, where a building was destroyed. Near Odesa, a daytime attack damaged the roof of a shopping centre and started a fire; President Zelenskyy said at least five people were wounded there.
Ukraine, meanwhile, has announced plans to reform its army this summer to address infantry shortages and discharge of the longest-serving soldiers - a problem that has grown urgent four years into the war. Enthusiasm for service has reportedly waned amid poor training, sketchy support, and heavy-handed draft officers. “Now, in May, all key details will be finalised,” Zelenskyy said on Telegram. “In June, the reform will begin - and the first results must already be delivered in June.” He promised higher pay for the infantry, declaring that a Ukrainian infantryman holding the front line must feel the state truly respects him. Zelenskyy also noted Ukraine must be ready to fight on if a peace deal cannot be reached. Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov called the changes a “systemic” transformation of the army.
And in a twist that could only come from the world’s most creative job scams, public prosecutors in Peru announced they are investigating an alleged trafficking network that offered fake jobs in Russia to Peruvians, only to force them into fighting Moscow’s war. The attorney general’s office said individuals including former military personnel and police officers were recruited through social media with deceptive offers of well-paid security work. Once in Russia, victims were reportedly forced to take part in combat operations. A lawyer for the victims’ families told local media that 13 Peruvians have died in the Ukraine war - a grim reminder that some job offers are too good to be true, especially if they involve a free trip to a war zone.