Ukrainian drones struck an oil terminal in Tuapse, according to the operational headquarters of Krasnodar region. It was the fourth time in the past two weeks that a fire has broken out in the city.
According to the Ukrainian channel Exilenova+, the UAVs damaged a tank containing petroleum products. The regional headquarters said there were no casualties. Russia’s Defence Ministry, for its part, said it had intercepted 141 drones over eight regions, annexed Crimea, and the waters of the Black and Azov seas.
Electricity has been cut in central Tuapse, and a thick column of black smoke has risen over the city. Local residents report asthma attacks.
Krasnodar region governor Veniamin Kondratyev did not comment on the new fire, limiting himself to congratulating residents on the start of the May holidays.
The refinery in Tuapse had already been attacked on April 16, 20, and 28. The previous fire was extinguished only the day before, with firefighters from neighbouring regions brought in to help. Regional emergency services are short of up to 60% of the equipment they require.
The series of strikes has had major environmental consequences. So-called “oil rains” have fallen over the city, settling on people’s skin and on animals’ fur. Petroleum products have entered the sea, while toxic substances have been detected in the air. In addition, Tuapse’s only gas-filling station burned down, which could leave a significant share of residents without gas.
Attacks on oil infrastructure have intensified markedly in recent months. Alongside Tuapse, emergency services are now also battling a fire in Perm, where a Transneft pipeline intake and pumping station came under attack.