Ukrainian drone and missile strikes on Russia's Rostov region were "neutralized", the local governor reported Thursday, though a brief fire was ignited at a nearby oil refinery.

The region faced a "massive attack by the enemy," Governor Yuri Slyusar stated on Telegram at approximately 6 am local time (0300 GMT). He revealed that "more than three dozen UAVs and three missiles" were launched, prompting air defense systems to activate across multiple cities in the area.

While "most of the air targets were neutralized," a fire broke out at an oil refinery, according to Slyusar. "Firefighters are currently fighting the fire," he said, later confirming by 6:45 am that the blaze "has been extinguished."

One individual sustained injuries in a village near Rostov due to "the fall of drone fragments," Slyusar added.

Ukrainian attack thwarted 

Russia's Ministry of Defense reported that Kiev's "attempts to carry out terrorist attacks using aircraft-type UAVs... were thwarted." It further stated that over 80 drones were intercepted nationwide, including those targeting the Rostov region.

It is worth noting that border areas of Russia have frequently come under Ukrainian fire. Last week, separate strikes on the Rostov and Bryansk regions sparked a fire at an oil depot and caused damage to an "industrial facility".

The latest attacks occurred as President Vladimir Putin was scheduled to deliver his annual end-of-year news conference on Thursday. The address comes amid an intensifying conflict in Ukraine.

Putin hails military advances, sets new goals for op. in Ukraine

Speaking at the annual Defense Ministry board meeting on Monday, Putin reflected on the year's military developments and outlined objectives to bolster the country's defense capabilities.

The meeting marked a pivotal moment for Russia as it navigates an evolving global landscape and ongoing military operations in Ukraine.

Key achievements in Ukraine

Putin lauded 2024 as a decisive year in Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine.

He announced that Russian forces had "liberated 189 settlements" and currently hold the strategic initiative along the front line.

The Russian president credited the military's successes to the "professionalism and courage" of its soldiers and the resilience of the country's defense industry.

"I want to sincerely thank our heroes — soldiers, and officers — who fight selflessly on the front lines, as well as the personnel of the Ministry of Defense, the National Guard, and special services," Putin said.

"They carry out even the most difficult tasks without sparing themselves or their lives for victory and for the Motherland."

Putin also accused the US of prolonging the war by providing Ukraine with weapons, funds, and military advisors, adding that these actions were part of a broader strategy by Washington "to weaken our country and inflict a strategic defeat."

Read more: Putin declares a 'new world order' is emerging