Ukrainian Drone Strike Ignites Oil Depot Fire in Russia

A significant fire at an oil depot in Engels, Saratov region, Russia, continues to burn for the fifth consecutive day following a Ukrainian drone attack on January 8. The Saratov regional governor, Roman Busargin, described the situation as 'controlled burning of fuel', asserting that the fire's intensity and smoke have diminished over time. Despite local complaints regarding air quality, he claimed that recent tests showed no harmful substance concentrations above permissible levels. The targeted depot is crucial for supplying fuel to the Engels-2 air base, which houses strategic bombers involved in operations against Ukraine. The attack is part of Ukraine's ongoing strategy to disrupt Russian logistical capabilities amidst the conflict, which has included repeated strikes on oil facilities. The Ukrainian military confirmed the successful targeting of the depot, further complicating Russia's military operations in the region.