A Ukrainian drone attack ignited a significant fire at an oil depot in Sochi, Russia, prompting over 120 firefighters to engage in extinguishing efforts. The incident occurred early on Sunday, as reported by regional Governor Veniamin Kondratyev via the Telegram messaging app. The blaze involved a fuel tank with a capacity of 2,000 cubic meters (approximately 70,000 cubic feet), according to the Russian news agency RIA.
This attack forms part of a broader pattern of Ukrainian strikes targeting infrastructure within Russia, particularly facilities deemed vital for Moscow’s military operations. The Russian defense ministry indicated in its daily report that its air defense units successfully intercepted 93 Ukrainian drones overnight, including one over the Krasnodar region and numerous others over the Black Sea. Notably, the ministry does not disclose the total number of drones launched by Ukraine.
In response to the attack, Rosaviatsia, Russia’s civil aviation authority, temporarily suspended flights at Sochi Airport to ensure safety protocols. Flights resumed at 02:00 GMT on Sunday (22:00 ET, Saturday), as confirmed by subsequent communications on Telegram.
Sochi, which hosted the 2014 Olympic Winter Games, has experienced infrequent attacks during the ongoing conflict, which began in February 2022. The previous drone strike in the Adler district of Sochi resulted in a fatality, highlighting the potential dangers posed by such operations. The region is also home to the Ilsky refinery, one of the largest in southern Russia and a frequent target for Ukrainian drone assaults.
In a related incident on the same day, the governor of the Voronezh region reported that four individuals sustained injuries from a Ukrainian drone strike that sparked several fires. Concurrently, Russian forces launched a missile attack on Kyiv, as stated by the military administration of the Ukrainian capital. The Russian defense ministry also reported the destruction of 18 Ukrainian drones over the Voronezh region, which shares a border with Ukraine.
As the conflict continues, both sides remain engaged in retaliatory actions, underscoring the persistent volatility in the region. The unfolding situation in Sochi reflects the ongoing challenges faced by both military and civilian entities amid the protracted conflict.
