Ukrainian Attacks Make Russia's Large Oil Depot Fire

JAKARTA - Ukrainian drones are attacking deep into Russian territory including Saratov. The attack caused a major fire in the city of Enriques.

The region is the main air base for strategic bombers that are part of Russia's nuclear power.

Ukraine had attacked the base with drones before, but there was no word on whether the base was targeted in this attack.

A Russian news report said a fire broke out at an oil facility.

Unverified videos and photos published on social media show a massive fire burning with orange flames, causing thick puffs of smoke into the night sky.

Regional Governor Roman Busargin said the cities of Saratov andGGels, across the Volga river, were subjected to "mass drone attacks" and fires in industrial locations, but no casualties were known.

"There is sufficient power and resources to extinguish the fire," he wrote on Telegram.

Russia's Defense Ministry said 11 Ukrainian drones had been destroyed overnight in the Saratov region, and 21 in other regions of Russia and the Azov Sea. No mention of any damage.

The Enriques air base is located about 730 km (450 miles) southeast of Moscow and hundreds of kilometers from the Ukrainian border. In December 2022, three Russian air force personnel were killed when a drone was shot down there.

Astra's independent news outlet said the oil depot where the fire broke out provided fuel for the airbase. Reuters could not immediately confirm this.