In a series of targeted attacks, Ukrainian drones have struck two Russian oil refineries, setting them ablaze and causing disruptions in the country's oil production. Local officials from Russia's Tambov region reported an explosion and subsequent fire at the Platonovskaya oil depot on Thursday morning. It was revealed that emergency services were deployed to tackle the blaze, but fortunately, there were no casualties reported.

Another fire broke out at an oil depot in the village of Enem in Russia's Adygea Republic, but it was swiftly extinguished, according to regional governor Murat Kumpilov. However, the fire managed to spread across an area of about 400 square meters (4,306 square feet) before it was brought under control at around 6 a.m. local time.

The campaign of strikes on Russia's oil refineries, attributed to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and Ukraine's Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR), has been ongoing since January. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna stated in March that these refineries are seen as legitimate military targets due to their contribution to President Vladimir Putin's war economy.

It has been reported that U.S. officials have asked Ukraine to refrain from targeting oil hubs to prevent potential disruptions in the global fuel market. The Pentagon's intelligence agency estimated last month that at least 14 percent of Russian oil refinery capacity had been disrupted as a result of these attacks.

Thursday's incidents mark the latest in a string of drone attacks on Russian oil depots and refineries since the beginning of the year, with over 40 instances reported, including attacks on some of the nation's largest facilities. Just days ago, oil storage tanks caught fire following a drone strike in the town of Azov in Russia's Rostov region, with Ukrainian intelligence claiming responsibility for the attack.

Emergency services had been struggling to extinguish the fire at the Azov oil depot since it was hit on June 17, as stated by regional governor Vasily Golubev. Despite ongoing efforts, the fire remained uncontained with reports of further tank depressurization intensifying the situation.

These targeted strikes on Russian oil refineries only escalate tensions in the Russia-Ukraine war, further impacting the already volatile and complex geopolitical landscape. As the conflict continues, the consequences of such attacks become increasingly significant, both regionally and globally.

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