Oil depot in Crimea, “destroyed by Ukrainian drones”. Explosions in several places in Russia
Ukraine attacked Russian oil infrastructure on the night of April 18, hitting targets in Crimea and the Samara region, located inside Russia, according to The Kyiv Independent.
Ukrainian drones hit an oil depot in the city of Sevastopol in occupied Crimea. The explosions took place in Sevastopol and the neighboring town of Novofedorivka, Russian media channels on Telegram reported.
Residents heard multiple explosions throughout the city, and air defenses were operating “from all directions.” Later, a fire was observed in the port area of Kazachya Bay.
Mikhail Razvozhayev, the head of the Russian-installed city, said a downed drone hit a “remaining fuel tanker” and added that there were no casualties.
On the morning of April 18, a fire was also reported at the Novokuibyshevsk refinery in the Samara region following a drone strike.
The Kyiv Independent noted that it could not verify the claims of Russian officials, and the Ukrainian military did not comment on the attacks.
Explosions also occurred near the Saki airfield in Novofedorivka, Crimea, around 01:20. Flare rockets were launched and anti-aircraft rounds were fired at Kacha airfield, according to local reports.
Annexed by Russia in 2014, Crimea is a frequent target of Ukrainian attacks. The Samara region, about 750 kilometers from the border, is targeted for attack because it is home to a military-industrial complex with factories and refineries that support Russia's war effort.
In recent months, amid US- and Israel-led attacks against Iran, Kiev has stepped up its attacks on Russian oil infrastructure in an attempt to cut the oil revenues that fuel Russia's war machine.
In March, about 40 percent of Russia's oil export capacity was reportedly blocked by long-range Ukrainian drone strikes and the seizure of oil tankers.
Instead, the war in the Middle East brought an advantage to Russia, which reaped a windfall from higher energy prices and increased demand for oil and gas after the US temporarily suspended global sanctions on its purchase of Russian oil. The suspension expired on April 11.
