Ukraine has acknowledged its involvement in an overnight drone attack on a Russian oil facility, resulting in a significant fire outbreak. This incident marks the latest in a series of long-range strikes by Ukrainian forces targeting border regions.
In recent months, Ukraine has escalated its aerial assaults on Russian territory, specifically aiming at refineries and oil terminals to impede the Kremlin's military operations. The Russian army has been intensifying its offensive along the eastern front in Ukraine, exploiting vulnerabilities due to shortages of troops and ammunition in the prolonged conflict.
The drone attack ignited an oil reservoir in Russia's Rostov region, prompting a massive response from over 200 firefighters on the scene, as reported by Rostov Governor Vasily Golubev. The blaze engulfed an area of 5,000 square meters (55,000 square feet) but fortunately resulted in no casualties, according to Russia's Emergencies Ministry.
An unnamed Ukrainian official revealed that the operation was conducted by Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) and targeted two oil depots in Rostov, housing a total of 22 oil reservoirs. While the claim has not been independently verified, Ukrainian authorities typically refrain from commenting directly on attacks within Russian territory.
Ukrainian drone technology has been continuously advancing, extending the range of these weapons to compensate for the country's military challenges. Drones have emerged as a cost-effective solution for Ukraine while awaiting additional military support from Western allies.
As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia persists, the use of drones in cross-border operations underscores the evolving tactics employed by both sides in the ongoing war. The situation remains fluid, with developments continuing to unfold in the region.
For more updates on the conflict in Ukraine, follow AP's comprehensive coverage at AP News - Russia-Ukraine Conflict.
