A Ukrainian drone attack struck a deep point inside Russia on Wednesday, targeting an oil facility near the city of Engels, nearly 400 miles from the border. The attack, which took place overnight, hit the Kombinat Kristall oil depot, causing a huge fire and killing at least two Russian firefighters.
The attack, which was carried out by long-range drones, is part of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to disrupt Russian logistics and damage its military capabilities. Ukrainian officials reported “numerous explosions” in the region, while Russia’s defense ministry said it had intercepted 23 Ukrainian drones, including 11 over Saratov.
The attack raises significant challenges for Russia’s strategic aviation capabilities and reduces its ability to strike at peaceful Ukrainian cities and civilian objects. Ukraine’s military has been increasingly taking the battle to the skies, enjoying considerable success in disrupting Russian logistics and damaging its oil facilities.
This is not the first time Ukraine has targeted Saratov, but previous attacks had been largely thwarted by Russian air defenses. The attack on Wednesday comes as both sides have redoubled their efforts to shift the frontlines, possibly ahead of a potential return to the White House for Donald Trump and increased peace talks.
In other developments, Russia’s defense ministry said it had captured the eastern town of Kurakhove in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, while Ukraine has launched a fresh offensive in Russia’s Kursk region. The situation remains fluid, with both sides claiming different versions of events.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/08/europe/ukraine-russia-engels-saratov-oil-depot-drone-intl/index.html