Ukrainian drones spark blaze at Russian fuel depot in Voronezh

During the night, Ukrainian drones targeted the Russian military fuel depot Annanefteprodukt in the Voronezh region. Russian authorities claim to have shot down all the drones, but the Ukrainian General Staff asserts that one of the drones successfully hit the target, resulting in a fire at the base.

Russian air defence activity was observed in the facility area. It was confirmed that at least one of the tanks which were targeted was hit. A fire broke out, reported the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Friday. They also mentioned that the Security Service of Ukraine conducted the operation in collaboration with other units of the Ukrainian Defence Forces.

The governor of the Voronezh region, Alexander Gusev, previously stated that following the night-time drone attack, a fire erupted in the oil depot. Electronic warfare equipment in this area neutralized the Ukrainian drones, one of which crashed into the oil storage area, sparking a fire in an empty tank, Gusev reported.

According to Ukrainian Pravda, there were 20 tanks containing fuel and lubricants at the fuel base.

Regular attacks on Russian facilities

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, Russian regions have been regularly targeted by shelling and drone attacks. The Russian Ministry of Defence reports on the interception of missiles and drones over Russian territory almost daily.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky described the attacks on refineries as a response to the Russian forces' strikes on the Ukrainian energy sector.