Russia and Ukraine Trade Blame for Fuel Depot Attack as Border Tensions Escalate

Ukraine forces allegedly attacked a fuel depot in Russia's Belgorod region, causing fires and injuries. Both nations accused each other of border assaults, with civilian casualties reported. Moscow claims drones were intercepted, while Kiev highlights infrastructure targets. The conflict has displaced millions and led to numerous deaths since Russia's 2022 invasion.

In a significant escalation of border tensions, the governor of Russia's southern Belgorod region stated that Ukrainian forces attacked a fuel depot, sparking a series of fires. Both Moscow and Kyiv have traded accusations over the overnight attacks on their border regions.

According to Vyacheslav Gladkov, the Ukrainian military utilized lethal drones to strike a fuel storage site in the Volokonovsky district, leading to multiple reservoirs catching fire. Firefighting teams are currently working to extinguish the blaze, he noted on Telegram. Additional drone attacks were reported in three other localities, though no casualties have been confirmed.

The situation on the Ukrainian side is equally dire, with officials reporting two deaths and four injuries, including two children, in the Sumy region due to air attacks. The Belgorod region witnessed three civilian injuries, including two children, and significant infrastructure damage. The Russian defense ministry claimed the interception of two drones over Belgorod and one over Kursk, areas regularly subjected to cross-border assaults. The ongoing conflict, sparked by Russia's February 2022 invasion, has resulted in thousands of civilian casualties and widespread displacement.

(With inputs from agencies.)