Drone warfare continues to play a pivotal role in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, targeting key infrastructure and escalating tensions on both sides.
A Ukrainian drone attack on December 31 struck an oil depot in Russia's Smolensk region resulting in a fire and fuel leak.
This is about 300 kilometers from the border according to Ziare.
No Casualties Reported So Far
In a statement on Telegram, Anokhin reported that Russian air defense systems intercepted the drone attack in the Yartsevo district.
However, debris from one drone landed within the oil depot, igniting a blaze.
Emergency services are currently assessing the extent of the damage. No casualties have been reported so far.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claims its air defense systems neutralized 68 Ukrainian drones overnight, with 10 destroyed in Smolensk alone.
This region, bordering Belarus, has increasingly become a target of drone strikes.
Ukraine frequently conducts such operations, particularly against military and energy sites in Russia, as a retaliatory measure against Russian bombardments on Ukrainian territory.
Earlier this month, Ukraine admitted to striking a petroleum facility in Russia's Oryol region, also causing a significant fire. Local Russian authorities confirmed what they described as a "massive drone attack."
Drone technology has emerged as a critical tool in the conflict, allowing Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory with precision. These strikes disrupt logistics, weaken Russia's energy supply chain, and showcase Kyiv's growing technological capabilities.
Meanwhile, Russia continues its widespread missile and drone campaigns targeting Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, keeping the conflict at a high intensity.
