Russian fuel depot catches fire near Crimea bridge

"The fire is classified as the highest level of danger," Veniamin Kondratyev, governor of the Krasnodar region in southwestern Russia, announced on Telegram, adding that there were no casualties after the incident.

Images on Russian social media showed flames and black smoke engulfing large fuel tanks labeled with red "flammable" warning labels.

Russian fuel depot on fire near Crimea bridge (Source: Pravda).

The fire broke out in the village of Volna, Mr Kondratyev said. The village is near the Crimean Bridge across the Kerch Strait, which connects the Crimean peninsula to mainland Russia.

The incident comes days after a drone attack set fire to another Russian fuel depot in the Crimean port of Sevastopol on April 29. The fire spread over an area of about 1,000 square meters. Russia accused Ukraine of being behind the incident.

Fire at Russian fuel depot in Krasnodar (Source: Avia Pro).

Andrii Yusov, a representative of the Ukrainian Military Intelligence Service, confirmed that the explosion at the Russian oil depot in the city of Sevastopol destroyed more than 10 oil tanks containing about 40,000 tons. This oil was used by the Russian Black Sea Fleet stationed in Sevastopol. Ukrainian officials hinted that Russia may face similar incidents in the future.

Sevastopol is located on the southwestern coast of Crimea. The strategic port city is home to Russia's Black Sea Fleet and has been the target of drone and suicide boat attacks several times since Russia launched its military operation in Ukraine in February last year.

Location of Krasnodar region (Photo: Guardian).

Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for the attack in Sevastopol. However, the Ukrainian military said over the weekend that weakening Russia’s logistics system was part of preparations for Kiev’s long-awaited counteroffensive, backed by more powerful arms deliveries from the West.

In another development, Russian Telegram channels shared information about explosions in Crimea on the evening of May 2. Radio Liberty confirmed that the explosion may have occurred at a Russian border guard base near the city of Simferopol on the Crimean peninsula. Russia has not yet commented on this information.

Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula in March 2014, considering it an inseparable territory. Moscow has repeatedly warned Ukraine of dire consequences if it attempts to attack the peninsula.

Despite warnings, Ukrainian officials insist they will soon retake Crimea. Over the past month, the Ukrainian military has deployed troops and heavy equipment to the country’s south, suggesting Kiev is preparing for a large-scale counter-offensive to retake territories controlled by Russia, including the Crimean peninsula.

Former US Army Commander in Europe Ben Hodges said that to gain Crimea, Ukraine needs to implement a three-phase strategy: isolate, attack and control.

However, many experts are skeptical about Kiev’s ability to retake Crimea. Russian forces have been beefing up their defenses for months in preparation for a Ukrainian counteroffensive in the south. The geographical challenges unique to Crimea would pose a major risk to an attacker.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/kho-nhien-lieu-cua-nga-boc-chay-du-doi-gan-cau-crimea-20230503132335817.htm