Ukrainian Drones Attack Russian Oil Storage Facility, Sparking Large Fuel Fire

In a bold move, Ukrainian drones launched a surprise attack on an oil storage facility in Russia’s southern Rostov region early Sunday morning, sparking a massive fuel fire. The attack, which was confirmed by local authorities and the Ukrainian army, has sent shockwaves across the region.

According to Governor Vasily Golubev, the air defences in the region repelled the drone attack, but the falling debris caused a diesel fuel fire to break out at an industrial storage facility in the town of Proletarsk. The fire was so intense that it forced firefighters to suspend their efforts at 05:35 GMT, only to resume them shortly after.

The Ukrainian army claimed responsibility for the attack, targeting the “Kavkaz” oil and petroleum storage facility in the Rostov region. The facility stored oil and petroleum products that were also supplied to the Russian occupation army, according to the Ukrainian army. The attack is part of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to undermine the military-economic potential of the Russian Federation.

The Russian defence ministry reported that it shot down five “aircraft-type” Ukrainian drones overnight, including two over the Rostov region. This marks the latest in a series of drone attacks launched by Ukraine against Russian oil and gas facilities since the conflict began in 2022.

The attack comes as Ukraine mounts an unprecedented cross-border assault into Russia’s Kursk region, where it claims to control more than 80 settlements. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has praised his forces for hitting oil facilities in Russia, saying the attacks would help bring a “just end” to the conflict.

The incident highlights the escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with both sides engaged in a bitter conflict that has lasted for over two years. The attack has sparked concerns about the potential for further escalation and the impact on regional stability.