In the early hours of January 18, 2025 (local time), a series of powerful explosions occurred at an oil depot in the Uzlovsky district of Russia’s Tula region. Eyewitnesses reported hearing at least ten detonations, followed by a significant fire at the facility. As of now, local authorities have not released any official statements regarding the incident.
This event is part of a broader pattern of recent attacks on Russian industrial sites. Notably, on January 17, a Ukrainian drone assault targeted an industrial enterprise in the city of Lyudinovo, Kaluga region, resulting in a fire at an oil depot. Kaluga’s Governor, Vladislav Shapsha, confirmed the incident, stating, “As a result of a drone attack in Lyudinovo, a fire broke out on the territory of an industrial enterprise.”
Additionally, Ukraine has intensified its aerial operations, launching its most extensive attack on Russian territory to date. This offensive involved over a dozen American and British cruise missiles and approximately 150 drones, targeting chemical plants, energy facilities, and military-industrial sites in cities distant from the Ukrainian border. Significant damage was reported, including explosions at a gas storage tank near Kazan, fires at chemical plants in the Tula region, and a major blaze at an oil refinery in Saratov.
The escalation of such attacks underscores the increasing reach and capabilities of Ukrainian forces, as well as the vulnerabilities within Russia’s critical infrastructure.
