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Ukrainian UAVs have hit the Russian oil refinery in Ufa, positioned approximately 1,400 kilometers from Ukraine, triggering blasts and a blaze, as reported by a source in the Ukrainian intelligence agency.

This represents the latest intelligence deep strike in the region in the past month. Such strikes illustrate that there are no protected areas in the far hinterland of the Russian Federation.

Zelenskyy Appeals to US President to Mediate Peace in the Conflict

Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on President Trump to facilitate a truce in the Ukrainian conflict in a phone call on Saturday.

"When a hostilities can be stopped in a particular zone, then surely additional conflicts can be stopped as well, encompassing the Russian aggression," Zelenskyy said, praising Trump's "exceptional" Middle East ceasefire plan and urging the US president to influence the Russian government into discussions.

Moscow's Attacks Claim Casualties in Ukraine

Strikes by Russia on Ukrainian territory resulted in the deaths of several civilians on Saturday and caused blackouts to areas of Ukraine's southern Odesa area, per authorities in Ukraine.

Two civilians lost their lives inside a church in the town when it was hit, per regional officials.

In the Russian adjacent territory of Belgorod, a lorry operator was fatally wounded by a drone assault, per municipal sources.

Electricity Recovery Efforts in the Capital

Operations proceeded on Saturday to recover electricity in Kyiv, after assaults.

Energy had been returned to in excess of 800,000 inhabitants by Saturday and the largest utility provider said the main work to repair the grid was finished though partial blackouts continued.

Air Defence Operations and UAV Downings

The Ukrainian defense forces downed or disrupted 54 out of 78 total UAVs from Russia launched targeting the country overnight, the aerial defense command said on Saturday.

The Russian military authorities stated it intercepted 42 drones over Russian territory.

Cuba Denies Claims of Providing Troops to the War

Cuba on Saturday refuted US assertions it has deployed soldiers to engage in the conflict in Ukraine, while affirming the government "do not have accurate data about Cuban nationals" participating "independently" or "as part of the armed units of the conflicting parties".

The ministry in the capital stated 26 nationals had been sentenced to jail sentences varying between five to 14 years for mercenary involvement since the autumn of 2023 when news emerged of individuals being dispatched to the frontlines in Ukraine.

Surrender Initiative Initiative Discloses Details on Cuban Recruitment

The program, a state program that promotes opposing fighters to surrender, stated in spring: "We have confirmed the identities and information of 1,028 Cuban nationals who enlisted with the Moscow's troops in recently."

The government in Havana stated of Cuban nationals who might be participating: "There is no doubt that none of them has the support, dedication, or approval of the government in Havana for their involvement."

Relatives of Cuban nationals who left for the Russian Federation in the year reported to Agence France-Presse at the time that their family members had been tricked into joining through advertisements on online platforms.