Ukrainian drones have struck a major Russian fuel depot for the second time in just over a week, as part of a 'massive' cross-border attack on fuel and energy facilities that Kyiv alleges supply Moscow's military. The latest strike occurred at the Stalnoy Kon oil terminal in Russia's southern Oryol region, resulting in a fire that was later extinguished without causing casualties or significant damage, according to local officials.
The attack on the fuel depot in Oryol comes in the wake of Russia's recent assaults on Ukraine's energy grid, which have raised concerns about potential power outages as winter intensifies in the region. The ongoing conflict between the two countries has escalated, with Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine nearing the three-year mark.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed retaliation following Ukrainian drone strikes on residential buildings in the city of Kazan, located over 600 miles from the front line. Putin warned that anyone attacking Russia would face severe consequences, although he did not provide specific details on potential retaliation.
Tragic incidents have also been reported in various regions of Ukraine, with civilians falling victim to Russian drone attacks. In the southern Kherson region, a 30-year-old man was killed by explosives dropped by a Russian drone, while two other civilians lost their lives in separate incidents. Additionally, a 56-year-old man in the Kharkiv region sustained severe injuries from a drone strike, necessitating a potential amputation.
Both Ukrainian and Russian forces have engaged in drone warfare, with Ukraine's Air Force claiming to have shot down a significant number of Iranian-made drones launched by Russia. The Russian Defense Ministry, on the other hand, reported intercepting Ukrainian drones targeting Russian territory, including the Oryol region where the fuel depot was hit.
Amidst the drone attacks and military advancements, Russia's forces have made territorial gains in northeastern Ukraine, capturing settlements in the Kharkiv and Luhansk regions. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing clashes and developments on the ground.
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to escalate, with both sides engaging in military operations and facing civilian casualties. The international community closely monitors the situation as tensions persist and the humanitarian impact of the conflict deepens.
