In a series of drone attacks overnight, Ukrainian forces targeted and struck ammunition warehouses in the Voronezh region of southwest Russia. According to reports, the warehouses contained surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, artillery shells for tanks, and firearms.
The first attack was reported by Ukraine's Security Service (SBU), who claimed responsibility for the strike. The SBU stated that their drones targeted a large warehouse of ammunition in the region. Russian officials confirmed that oil depots in Krasnodar region were also hit, causing fires at Pavlovskaya and Leningradskaya.
The attacks come as tensions between Ukraine and Russia continue to escalate. Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Ukraine's president, thanked Keir Starmer for assurances of unwavering UK support following the election of a new UK government. Zelenskiy also coordinated positions with Starmer ahead of next week's Nato summit where Ukraine hopes to hear of possible steps to membership.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov threatened retaliation against Ukraine and the US/NATO in response to the attacks. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that Ukrainian drone attacks were also intercepted in the border region of Belgorod.
Ukraine has been using drones extensively since Russia launched its military offensive in February 2022. Ukraine has stepped up its attacks on Russian territory this year, targeting both energy sites and towns and villages just across the border.
The exact cause of the fires at the Russian ammunition warehouses is still under investigation. However, it is clear that these attacks will further escalate tensions between Ukraine and Russia.
