A recent drone attack by Ukraine on Russia’s Black Sea port of Tuapse caused a fire at the city’s oil terminal, marking the fourth such incident in recent weeks. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries from the attack, according to local officials on Friday.
The ongoing series of attacks has significantly disrupted daily life in the town, located approximately 1,300 kilometers south of Moscow. Authorities have taken precautionary measures such as closing schools and advising residents to minimize outdoor activities and avoid consuming tap water.
Following the drone strike, a fire erupted at the seaport terminal in Tuapse as confirmed by the general headquarters in the Krasnodar Region through a Telegram post. Emergency response teams promptly mobilized to the scene, with 128 firefighters and 41 emergency vehicles deployed to combat the blaze.
The region has been under a state of emergency since a previous Ukrainian attack earlier in the week led to a massive fire at the terminal, resulting in production disruptions and oil spills into the nearby waters. Despite efforts to extinguish the blaze, the aftermath has left Tuapse with oil-contaminated beaches and polluted air and waterways.
To address the environmental impact, emergency workers have been working to clean up newly discovered oil-hit areas along the coast. So far, they have managed to clear 12,600 cubic meters of contaminated material in Tuapse.
Authorities have advised residents to limit outdoor exposure and keep windows closed due to elevated benzene levels in the air. Additionally, residents have been instructed to consume only bottled water as a precautionary measure, with holiday celebrations being canceled in light of the situation.
The attacks on energy facilities by Ukrainian drones have not been limited to Tuapse. Recent strikes targeted an oil refinery near Perm and another in the Orenburg region, both located approximately 1,500 kilometers away from Ukraine.
As tensions escalate between Ukraine and Russia, Kyiv has been ramping up pressure on Moscow by targeting oil refineries, depots, and ports to undermine Russia’s financial resources for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Kyiv accuses Russian forces of ongoing attacks on Ukrainian energy sites, leading to casualties and disruptions in essential services.
The conflict between the two nations has been ongoing for over four years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The situation remains volatile as both sides continue to engage in hostilities, impacting civilian populations and critical infrastructure.