An oil depot in Russia’s southwestern Rostov region was engulfed in flames early on Saturday morning after a Ukrainian drone attack, according to regional governor Vasily Golubev. This incident marks the latest escalation in the ongoing war, with Ukraine increasingly targeting Russian infrastructure beyond the immediate battlefields in eastern Ukraine.
Governor Golubev reported the fire on the messaging app Telegram, stating that the drone strike caused a blaze spanning around 200 square meters (2,100 square feet). Thankfully, no casualties were reported. Local authorities extinguished the fire within five hours.
This attack comes amidst a growing trend of Ukrainian long-range strikes targeting strategic Russian targets. In recent months, Ukraine has employed drone technology to disrupt Russian supply lines and hinder the war effort. The success of this latest attack on the Rostov oil depot suggests that Ukrainian aerial capabilities may be extending further into Russian territory.
The attack is likely to heighten tensions between the two nations. Russia has repeatedly accused Ukraine of launching cross-border attacks, while Ukraine maintains its right to defend itself against Russian aggression.
The impact of the burning oil depot on Russia’s military operations remains unclear. However, it highlights the growing sophistication of Ukrainian drone technology and its potential to disrupt critical Russian infrastructure.