Ukrainian drones struck a major Russian fuel depot in the Oryol region for the second time in just over a week, according to local Russian officials. This attack, which targeted fuel and energy facilities used to supply Moscow’s military, was described as part of a “massive” cross-border assault.
Andrey Klychkov, governor of the Oryol region, reported that Russian air defenses intercepted 20 drones aimed at fuel and energy infrastructure, but not before a fire broke out at the Stalnoy Kon oil terminal. The blaze, captured in unverified footage showing a large explosion, was later extinguished without casualties or significant damage, Klychkov said.
The incident follows a previous Ukrainian drone strike on the same terminal on December 14, which caused a substantial fire.
Meanwhile, Russian forces continued their own drone attacks on Ukrainian regions, killing two civilians in Kherson and severely injuring another man in Kupiansk, according to Ukrainian officials. A Russian drone strike also sparked a fire on the roof of a high-rise building in Brovary, a Kyiv suburb, though no casualties were reported.
Ukraine’s Air Force claimed to have intercepted 52 out of 103 Iranian-made Shahed drones launched by Russia overnight. An additional 44 drones reportedly failed to reach their targets due to electronic jamming.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said its forces intercepted 42 Ukrainian drones overnight, including those involved in the Oryol attack.
On the ground, Russian forces are reportedly advancing in Ukraine’s northeast and eastern regions. Moscow’s Defense Ministry claimed its troops captured two settlements: Lozova in Kharkiv and Krasne in Luhansk, though Ukraine has yet to confirm these developments.
The strikes and counterattacks come as the conflict nears its third year, with both sides intensifying their efforts despite the onset of winter.
