In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian forces launched a series of drone attacks on Russian territory during the night of August 28, 2024, targeting critical infrastructure in the Rostov and Voronezh regions. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 12 Ukrainian drones overnight, with 8 shot down over the Voronezh region and 4 over the Rostov region.The attacks resulted in a major fire at the ‘Atlas’ oil depot in the Kamensky district of the Rostov region, which specializes in storing petroleum products and supplies fuel to the Russian army. Rostov Governor Vasily Golubev initially denied the fire but later confirmed it, stating, ‘There are no threats of the fire spreading to residential areas’. This marks the second attack on the Atlas depot this month, following a previous incident on August 3.In the Voronezh region, a drone attack sparked a fire near explosive objects in the Rossoshansky district, leading to the temporary evacuation of residents from two villages. Governor Alexander Gusev reported that the fire was extinguished by local forces, and there were no detonations or casualties. Local sources claimed that the drones also targeted an ammunition depot in the village of Malaya Mezhenka.These attacks represent a shift in Ukraine’s military strategy, with increased targeting of Russian infrastructure behind the front lines. The incidents have led to disruptions in civilian life, with airports in Kazan and Nizhnekamsk temporarily suspending flights due to the drone threat.While Russian authorities have condemned the attacks as acts of terrorism, Ukrainian officials have not officially commented on the incidents. The ongoing conflict, now in its 916th day, continues to escalate with both sides employing increasingly sophisticated tactics.
Key points
- Ukrainian forces launched multiple drone attacks on Russian territory, targeting oil depots and ammunition storage facilities.
- The attacks resulted in fires at the ‘Atlas’ oil depot in the Rostov region and near explosive objects in the Voronezh region.
- Russian air defense systems reportedly shot down 12 Ukrainian drones, with 8 over Voronezh and 4 over Rostov.
- These attacks mark an escalation in Ukraine’s strategy of targeting Russian infrastructure behind the front lines.
Contradictions👾Rostov Governor Vasily Golubev initially denied the fire at the ‘Atlas’ oil depot but later confirmed it.
👾There are varying reports on the number of drones shot down, with some sources claiming 4 over Rostov region while others report a total of 12 drones intercepted.
