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Ukrainian Drones Hit Tuapse Refinery; Smoke Visible From Space, Putin Claims No Serious Threat
🇱🇹 Lithuania /Technology

Ukrainian Drones Hit Tuapse Refinery; Smoke Visible From Space, Putin Claims No Serious Threat

From Delfi · (12m ago) Lithuanian Critical tone

Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Ukrainian drone attacks have targeted the Tuapse oil refinery and export terminal multiple times in recent days.
  • The attacks have resulted in fires, significant damage to oil reservoirs, and a large plume of smoke visible from space.
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin stated there is no serious threat to locals, while acknowledging the challenges.

The Tuapse oil refinery and its adjacent export terminal on the Black Sea have become the latest targets in a series of Ukrainian long-range drone strikes, causing substantial damage and visible plumes of smoke that have been observed even from space. This escalation marks the third attack on the facility in recent days, resulting in the destruction of numerous oil reservoirs and creating a hazardous environment for local residents who are now contending with foul odors and soot.

We were unlucky. We used to be envied for living by the sea, and now no one envies us.

— Local residentA resident of Tuapse described the negative impact of the refinery attacks on their coastal town.

In response to the escalating attacks, Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed the governor of the Krasnodar region to address the situation. However, Putin himself downplayed the immediate danger to the local population, stating that "there are no serious threats there" and that local authorities are managing the challenges. This assertion comes despite reports of burning fuel spilling onto roads and damaging vehicles near the refinery.

There was a boil-over and discharge of oil products from reservoir number three. As a result, burning fuel spilled onto the road and damaged several cars.

— FirefighterA firefighter detailed the immediate aftermath of one of the drone strikes at the Tuapse refinery.

The attacks on Tuapse are part of a broader pattern of Ukrainian strikes reaching deeper into Russian territory. Notably, a crucial oil pumping station near Perm, located approximately 1,500 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, was also hit recently. Russian officials, including Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, have acknowledged the ongoing operations but have classified specific details about the targeted objects as state secrets, refusing public discussion. This strategy highlights Russia's vulnerability due to its vast size, making it difficult to reliably defend numerous critical infrastructure sites scattered across the country.

The governor just reported... he is on site and it seems there are no serious threats there. People on site are solving the challenges they face.

— Vladimir PutinPresident Putin commented on the situation in Tuapse, assuring that local authorities were managing the incident.
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Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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