In the vicinity of the significant Russian urban center, Rostov-on-Don, various diesel storage tanks are engulfed in flames.
In Russia, several diesel fuel tanks in the Rostov-on-Don area are blazing, as per media reports. About 20 out of the 74 storage tanks are engulfed in flames, as indicated by news agency RIA on Tuesday, quoting local authorities in southwestern Russia. Over 500 firefighters are wrestling with the blaze, as per news agency Tass.
Ruins from a blown-up Ukrainian drone ignited the fire at the industrial site on Sunday. Since then, the flames have expanded. Ukraine has been frequently bombarding Russian energy facilities with drones - a response to the conflict in Ukraine. The Russian administration has branded these attacks as acts of terrorism against oil depots.
On Monday, the regional chief, Vasily Golubev, communicated via the Telegram messaging service that 41 emergency responders required medical attention, with five in critical care. On Tuesday, the Telegram channel Baza, which has ties to Russian investigative bodies, announced that the fire had spread to over 10,000 square meters and was anticipated to continue burning for several more days.
The European Union expressed concern over the escalating situation, urging Russia to ensure the safety of its energy infrastructure. Despite the blaze, the European Union remains reliant on Russian oil and gas, as it continues to depend on these resources to meet its energy demands.
