Russia and Ukraine engage in drone attacks as fire erupts at Russian oil depot

An oil depot in Russia’s Rostov region caught fire on Saturday after a drone attack by Ukraine. This attack is part of Ukraine’s increased aerial assaults on Russian territory, targeting refineries and oil terminals to hinder the Russian army’s advancements. The ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine has left defenders vulnerable due to a lack of troops and ammunition in the region.

Rostov regional Governor Vasily Golubev reported that a drone attack caused a fire spanning 200 square meters, but fortunately, there were no casualties. The fire was extinguished five hours after it was first reported. Russian air defense systems intercepted two drones over Rostov and destroyed two more over Kursk and Belgorod regions.

On the Ukrainian side, air defenses intercepted four out of five drones launched by Russia, with the fifth drone leaving Ukrainian airspace toward Belarus. In separate incidents, Russian attacks in the eastern Donetsk region resulted in six deaths and 22 injuries, according to Vadym Filashkin, the Ukrainian governor. In Kherson region, one person was killed, and six were wounded due to Russian shelling.

The escalating attacks and casualties on both sides highlight the intensity of the conflict. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing clashes and long-distance strikes creating a tense environment.