Drone Strike Ignites Major Fire at Key Russian Oil Terminal in Crimea
A Ukrainian drone strike ignited a large fire at Russia’s largest oil depot in Feodosia,occupied Crimea,overnight on October 13th,according to a source within Ukraine’s security Service (SBU). The source confirmed that at least five storage tanks were hit.
Videos circulating on social media depict a importent blaze and thick black smoke rising from the oil depot, with residents reporting the fire’s glow was visible across the city. The SBU source stated that electricity substations in both Feodosia and simferopol were also targeted in the attacks.
“The SBU continues to systematically reduce the enemy’s military, logistical and economic capacity to wage war against Ukraine,” the source said.
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed its air defenses intercepted 103 drones overnight across Russian and occupied Ukrainian territories, including 40 over Crimea. This is the second reported attack on the Feodosia oil depot in a week, following a previous incident on October 6th, as reported by the Crimean Wind Telegram channel.
Aksyonov, the Russian-appointed head of Crimea, stated that emergency services are responding to the fire and reported no casualties thus far. The Kyiv Autonomous has not independently verified these claims.
The Feodosia oil depot is a major transshipment hub for oil and oil products, handling deliveries via rail, sea, and road. located approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) from Ukraine-controlled territory, the facility boasts a storage capacity of up to 250,000 tons of fuel, crucial for supplying Russian forces.
Ukrainian forces have consistently targeted Russian oil infrastructure as a key component of disrupting Moscow’s war effort. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported on October 11th that Ukrainian attacks have reduced Russia’s oil processing capacity by 21%. Several Russian regions are currently experiencing gasoline shortages, prompting Moscow to increase fuel imports.
This strike comes amid reports, as detailed by the Financial Times, that the U.S.is assisting Ukraine in targeting Russian energy infrastructure, providing advice on vulnerabilities while kyiv maintains control over target selection.
