A drone strike by Ukrainian forces targeted an oil depot and industrial facility in occupied Crimea, causing a massive fire. During the operation, the Russian air defense allegedly shot down one of its own fighter jets.
Ukrainian drones hit an oil depot in Crimea PHOTO: Video capture/Telegram
Ukraine's Special Operations Forces confirmed that on the night of October 17, a drone strike hit an oil depot and an industrial facility near the Russian Gvardeiskoie Air Base in occupied Crimea.
“The result of the successful actions of the Special Operations Forces of Ukraine is the destruction of the oil depot in the village of Gvardiiskîi”, it is stated in a statement posted on social networks.
A video posted by Ukraine's Special Operations Forces on Telegram shows the moment of impact followed by a massive fire, with flames rising above the facility.
Multiple attacks on Russian targets
According to the authorities in Kiev, the attack is part of a larger Ukrainian operation, during which several Russian military objectives were targeted, both in the occupied territories and on the territory of the Russian Federation.
The Crimean Wind Telegram channel reported on explosions and a fire in the area, posting images confirming that the fuel infrastructure was engulfed in flames.
Russia shot down its own plane
While retaliating against the drone attack, Russian air defenses allegedly shot down a Su-30SM fighter jet over northwestern Crimea, Ukrainian Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk said.
“Intercepted radio communications suggest the pilot died after both engines caught fire“, he added.
Explosions in other regions as well
The Ukrainian attacks also reportedly targeted military infrastructure in occupied Donetsk, where explosions were heard, while Russian air defenses were activated in Sochi, a city located about 400 kilometers from the border with Ukraine.
As a result of the incidents, more than ten airports in Russia have temporarily suspended their operations.
