Ukrainian drone strikes overnight from Thursday to Friday triggered fires across multiple Russian regions, including Yaroslavl, Volgograd, and Temryuk, causing casualties and significant damage to fuel and energy infrastructure.
Fuel Depots Ablaze in Yaroslavl
The attack occurred on the night of May 29. Reuters, citing regional authorities, confirmed that firefighting operations were underway in the Yaroslavl region of western Russia and the port of Temryuk in the southwest following drone strikes.
Yaroslavl Governor Mikhail Yevrayev reported on Telegram that crews were extinguishing a blaze at fuel storage facilities. While no injuries were reported in this region, traffic on the road from Yaroslavl toward Moscow was suspended for several hours.
Yevrayev noted that most drones in the “massive” attack were intercepted. He warned residents not to approach potential debris and to avoid using mobile phones near any fallen fragments.
Casualties Reported in Volgograd
Ukraine also struck the Volgograd region in southwestern Russia. Governor Andrei Bocharov stated that fires broke out at chemical plants and energy facilities but were subsequently extinguished. The attack resulted in one death and two injuries.
The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that 208 Ukrainian drones were intercepted overnight. Regional authorities indicated that 80 of these were downed over the Rostov region.
Impact on Strategic Fuel Infrastructure
This follows recent strikes on Russian fuel infrastructure, including a repeat attack on the Tuapse oil refinery in the Krasnodar Territory. According to the Ukrainian General Staff, this was the fifth strike on the Rosneft-owned facility in two months, which serves as a key supplier for the Black Sea Fleet.
Ukrainian strikes against refineries and fuel depots aim to disrupt Russian military logistics, impede fuel deliveries to the front lines, and limit petroleum product exports. The spring aerial campaign has contributed to fuel shortages at some Russian gas stations during May.