Ukraine, Russia Fuel Depot Bombing... Large-Scale Fire Erupts

by Choi Taewon

Published 24 Apr.2024 19:12(KST)

Two Attacks on Fuel Depots in Smolensk, Southwestern Russia

Ukraine carried out an airstrike on oil depots located in mainland Russia.

A fire broke out at a fuel depot in Bryansk, Russia, following a drone attack by Ukraine on January 19. [Image source=Yonhap News]

According to major foreign media on the 24th (local time), the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) attacked two oil depots owned by the Russian state energy company Rosneft in Smolensk, southwestern Russia, using drones overnight.

Approximately 26,000 cubic meters of oil were stored in the depots, and the SBU claimed that a large-scale fire broke out due to the attack, forcing employees to evacuate.

The Ukrainian military also carried out successive airstrikes on oil terminals in Leningrad, Bryansk, and the Crimean Peninsula in January.

Meanwhile, the U.S. government is reportedly urging Ukraine to exercise restraint in attacking Russian oil facilities. This is because damage to oil facilities in Russia, one of the world's largest oil producers, could destabilize international oil prices.