Ukrainian drones targeted an oil storage facility in Russia's southern Rostov region early Sunday morning, igniting a significant fuel fire, according to the local governor. Social media videos depicted dense black smoke and intense flames at the site of the blaze in Proletarsk. Governor Vasily Golubev reported on Telegram that air defenses in the southeast of the Rostov region thwarted a drone attack, leading to debris causing a diesel fuel fire at industrial storage facilities in Proletarsk.
Firefighting efforts at the Proletarsk industrial facility were temporarily halted at 05:35 (0235 GMT) due to a second drone attack, but resumed shortly afterward with no injuries reported. The Ukrainian army claimed responsibility for the attack on the 'Kavkaz' oil and petroleum storage facility in the Rostov region, stating that it contained supplies also used by the Russian occupation army, and that ongoing actions aim to undermine Russia's military-economic potential.
Proletarsk is located approximately 250km from the Ukrainian border and 350km from areas under Kyiv's control on the eastern Ukrainian frontline. The Russian defense ministry confirmed the downing of five 'aircraft-type' Ukrainian drones overnight, including two over the Rostov region. Kyiv has consistently targeted Russian oil and gas facilities since the conflict began in 2022, describing these actions as 'fair' retaliation for attacks on its own energy infrastructure.
Earlier this month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commended his forces for striking oil facilities in Russia, suggesting these attacks contribute to a 'just end' to the conflict. The drone attacks coincide with Ukraine's extensive cross-border operations into Russia's Kursk region, where it asserts control over more than 80 settlements.
