In the Smolensk region, drones targeted an oil depot, igniting a fire.

In the city of Yartsevo, Smolensk region (Russia), a drone attack occurred on the night of December 31. As a result, the local oil depot was hit, leading to a fire at the site.

This information was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing the Telegram channel of Roman Zakharov, head of the Yartsevo district in the Smolensk region.

According to the Russian official, the fuel and energy facility was attacked by "Ukrainian UAVs."

"As a result of the enemy's attack, fires broke out. Currently, emergency services are on site working to extinguish the flames," the head of the Yartsevo district wrote.

Zakharov also mentioned that "special services and competent authorities are investigating this situation."

Furthermore, the district leader urged local residents not to film or post footage of the drone attack, the operation of air defense systems, and similar events online.

Meanwhile, videos and photos of the drone strike in the vicinity of Yartsevo and the burning oil depot have already surfaced on the internet.

Additionally, Russian media also reported on an air attack in Oryol during the night. However, local authorities have not yet commented on this information.

Updated: Statement from the Smolensk Governor on the Drone Attack

The Governor of the Smolensk region, Vasily Anokhin, later released a statement on his Telegram, claiming that the fire at the oil depot was caused by the debris of a downed drone.

"Today, in the Yartsevo district, the air defense forces of the Russian Ministry of Defense suppressed an attack by Ukrainian UAVs. According to preliminary information, the wreckage of one of the drones fell on the territory of the oil depot. As a result, fuel spilled, and a fire started involving combustible materials," the Russian official explained.

He also stated that "efforts are underway to localize the consequences," and that "there is no threat to residential properties."

It is worth noting that complaints about drone attacks in the Smolensk region are not new in Russia. For instance, there were earlier reports of a UAV strike and fire in this region on the night of September 15.

In June, the Russian side also reported an attack by drones on military facilities in the Smolensk region.

Moreover, in April, an oil depot in the Smolensk region was also engulfed in flames due to a drone strike, again in the Yartsevo district. It should be noted that a powerful fire at the oil depot in the Smolensk region was recorded by a satellite.