Explosions and fires in Russia; state of emergency declared: 'We continue to respond to Russian strikes in a fully justified manner'

Multiple explosions and fires broke out at oil depots in Russia's Stavropol region on July 19, 2026, leading authorities to declare a partial state of emergency. Buildings were evacuated, and residents were moved to safety as emergency services responded to the incidents.

Local media reported that three oil storage facilities caught fire. Vladimir Vladimirov, the governor of Stavropol, confirmed multiple fires and explosions at industrial sites but stated there were no immediate reports of injuries. He noted that a state of emergency had been partially declared and that affected facilities were being evacuated.

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We continue to respond to Russian strikes in a fully justified and accurate manner. Today, Ukraine’s long-range sanctions reached designated targets that support and finance Russia’s aggression. SSU units struck three oil depots in the Stavropol region at once, while units of our…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed responsibility for the attacks, releasing videos he said showed the burning facilities. He stated that Ukraine "continue[s] to respond to Russian strikes in a fully justified and accurate manner." Zelenskyy asserted that "Ukraine's long-range sanctions reached designated targets that support and finance Russia's aggression."

According to Zelenskyy, Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) units simultaneously struck three oil depots in the Stavropol region, while units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine hit another fuel facility in the same area. He also mentioned direct hits on three oil tankers belonging to Russia's "shadow fleet" in the Black Sea. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to all Ukrainian units involved in striking targets that finance Russia's aggression and concluded with "Glory to Ukraine!"

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Glory to Ukraine!