A massive fire broke out at a Russian oil depot near Sochi after a Ukrainian drone strike triggered explosions early Saturday. Authorities temporarily suspended flights at a nearby airport as emergency services rushed to the scene. The local governor confirmed that the drone wreckage hit a fuel tank, causing the fire. Over 120 firefighters were deployed to control the blaze.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine’s southern city of Mykolaiv, a separate Russian missile strike destroyed civilian homes and infrastructure. Local officials reported at least seven injuries, including three people who were hospitalized. The attack is part of ongoing strikes between both countries that continue to escalate violence across the region.
Russian officials stated that the drone strike on Sochi was one of several launched by Ukraine over the weekend. Other targeted cities included Ryazan, Penza, and Voronezh. The governor of Voronezh confirmed that four people were wounded in a drone-related explosion. These attacks have prompted heightened security in southern Russian cities.
Russia’s defense ministry claimed its air defense system intercepted 93 Ukrainian drones overnight, with 60 of them heading toward the Black Sea area. Ukraine’s air force responded that Russia had launched up to 83 drones and 7 missiles overnight, of which 61 drones were successfully shot down. However, some missiles and drones still hit key locations.
The week has been deadly for Ukrainians, especially following a major Russian strike on Kyiv last Thursday that killed at least 31 people. Reports stated that over 300 drones and eight cruise missiles were launched in what became one of the deadliest attacks since the war began in February 2022. Damage to civilian areas remains widespread.
Following the recent assaults, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky demanded stronger international sanctions against Russia. Former U.S. President Donald Trump also condemned Moscow’s actions, hinting at new economic penalties. He previously warned Russia to end the war within 50 days or face severe tariffs, including on oil exports. A new deadline set by Trump now ends on August 8.