A drone strike attributed to Ukraine damaged a key oil depot in the Russian city of Stary Oskol, Belgorod Oblast, on Wednesday, causing a significant fire and disrupting fuel supplies to Russian forces, according to regional officials and satellite imagery analysis.
Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of Belgorod Oblast, reported the attack via his Telegram channel, stating that Ukrainian drones targeted the facility, igniting several fuel tanks. He initially reported no casualties, but later confirmed one person was injured. Gladkov stated that emergency services were working to contain the blaze and prevent further escalation.
The Stary Oskol oil depot is a crucial logistical hub for supplying fuel to Russian troops engaged in fighting in eastern Ukraine, particularly in the Kharkiv region. Independent analysts have confirmed the damage through examination of satellite imagery, showing extensive fire damage and plumes of smoke rising from the site. The depot is operated by Rosneft, Russia’s state-owned oil company.
Ukraine has not officially claimed responsibility for the attack, maintaining a policy of strategic ambiguity regarding strikes on Russian territory. However, sources within Ukrainian intelligence, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated to Reuters that the operation was carried out by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) using domestically produced drones with an extended range.
The attack represents a significant escalation in Ukraine’s campaign to target Russian logistics and infrastructure deep inside Russia. Prior to this incident, Ukrainian strikes had primarily focused on border regions. Recent months have seen a marked increase in the frequency and range of these attacks, coinciding with Ukraine’s counteroffensive operations in the east.
Russian officials have consistently accused Ukraine of terrorism in connection with these attacks, and have vowed retaliation. The Russian Ministry of Defence has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the Stary Oskol strike, but state media outlets have described it as a “reckless act of aggression.”
The Belgorod region has been repeatedly targeted by Ukrainian shelling and drone strikes since the start of the conflict. In May, incursions by Ukrainian volunteer groups and alleged Russian dissidents briefly seized control of border settlements within the region, leading to clashes with Russian security forces. These incidents prompted a large-scale deployment of Russian troops to the border area.
The increased attacks on Russian territory are widely seen as an attempt by Ukraine to disrupt Russian supply lines, degrade its military capabilities, and demonstrate its ability to strike at the heart of Russia. Western analysts suggest that Ukraine is utilizing increasingly sophisticated drone technology and intelligence gathering to conduct these operations.
Following the attack, Rosneft announced temporary disruptions to fuel supplies in the Belgorod region, stating that it was assessing the extent of the damage and working to restore operations. The company did not provide a timeline for full resumption of services. The incident is expected to further strain Russia’s logistical network and potentially impact its military operations in Ukraine.
The United Nations has repeatedly called for de-escalation and a cessation of hostilities, but diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire remain stalled. The office of the UN Secretary-General has not yet commented specifically on the Stary Oskol attack, but continues to monitor the situation closely.
