- A suspected drone attack sparked a fire at a Russian oil refinery.
- There have several done attacks on Russian territory.
- Ukraine denied it was responsible for the attack.
A drone attack in southern Russia caused a fire at an oil refinery, the state-run TASS news agency reported on Thursday.
The alleged incident joins a string of recent drone attacks announced by Russia, including what it said was an attempt to assassinate President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday.
The fire at the oil refinery’s reservoir, in the southern Krasnodar region’s Ilsky settlement, started after an attack by “an unidentified drone”, an emergency services official told TASS.
Krasnodar Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said the refinery fire had been localised to a 400m2 area and was quickly extinguished by emergency services.
In the nearby village Volna, a similar blaze at an oil reservoir engulfed 1 200m2, with officials blaming a drone crash.
READ | Fuel depot ablaze near key Crimea bridge in Russia
That same day, Moscow said it shot down two drones aimed at Putin’s residence and accused Ukraine of attempting a “terrorist act”.
Kyiv insisted it had “nothing to do” with the alleged drone attack, suggesting instead it was “staged” by Moscow, while the US expressed scepticism about any allegations made by Russia.
The spate of apparent sabotage attacks has been used to underscore Russia’s exposure to enemy blows as the Kremlin gears up for important anniversary celebrations.
The 9 May victory lap that commemorates the Soviet defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II has become a central event during Putin’s rule.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
In times of uncertainty you need journalism you can trust. For 14 free days, you can have access to a world of in-depth analyses, investigative journalism, top opinions and a range of features. Journalism strengthens democracy. Invest in the future today. Thereafter you will be billed R75 per month. You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you won’t be billed.
