A Ukrainian drone attack on oil storage tanks in Azov, Rostov Oblast, Russia, has ignited powerful fires, part of ongoing ‘drone sanctions’ against Russia. The situation escalates as Russian forces advance in Donetsk and accusations of war crimes intensify.
A Ukrainian drone attack targeted oil storage tanks in Azov, Rostov Oblast, Russia, igniting powerful fires. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) confirmed the successful attack, part of ongoing “drone sanctions” aimed at undermining Russia’s economic capabilities that finance the war against Ukraine. Thick smoke and flames were captured in videos from the Russian emergencies ministry, with around 200 firefighters dispatched to address the blaze.
In the Donetsk region, Ukrainian sources reported that Russian forces are attempting to advance on Chasiv Yar and Pokrovsk, posing potential threats to key supply routes. Ukraine also claimed to have downed 10 Shahed drones launched by Russia.
The Ukrainian prosecutor general accused Russian forces of beheading a Ukrainian serviceman in Donetsk, amidst ongoing documentation of approximately 130,000 alleged war crimes by Russia.
Power outages are expected across Ukraine following Russian strikes on power plants, according to national grid operator Ukrenergo.
Internationally, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticized China for its support of Russia’s defense industry, while China urged NATO to cease blaming it for escalating the conflict. South Korea alleged that North Korea has shipped substantial quantities of artillery to Russia, potentially including up to 4.8 million shells.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is on a state visit to North Korea, marking his second visit to the country and followed by a trip to Vietnam. This visit follows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s invitation to Putin during a trip to Russia in 2023.
