KYIV – A Ukrainian drone attack ignited a blaze at an oil depot in Russia’s Volgograd region, authorities reported on Saturday.

According to regional Governor Andrei Bocharov, who communicated via a Telegram post on the local administration’s channel, initial reports showed no casualties. Although the extent of the damage remains unspecified, Bocharov indicated that nearby residents might need to evacuate as a precaution.

Ukraine’s strategy of targeting Russian energy infrastructure with long-range drones aims to cut off Moscow’s crucial oil revenue, which funds its ongoing invasion. Conversely, Russia’s objective appears to be dismantling Ukraine’s power grid, leaving civilians without essential utilities like heating, lighting, and water in an effort to “weaponize winter,” as described by Ukrainian officials.

The drone strike on Saturday followed a massive Russian assault on Ukraine involving hundreds of drones and numerous missiles overnight into Friday. This attack resulted in at least four fatalities in Kyiv. For the second time in the nearly four-year conflict, Russia deployed a new, potent hypersonic missile, which struck western Ukraine, seemingly sending a stern message to Kyiv’s NATO supporters.

This escalation, featuring the launch of the nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile, coincided with reports of significant advancements in discussions between Ukraine and its allies. These talks aim to bolster Ukraine’s defenses against further Russian aggression should a peace agreement, led by the United States, come to fruition.

Russia’s Defense Ministry said Saturday that its forces used aviation, drones, missiles and artillery to strike Ukrainian energy facilities and fuel-storage depots on Friday and overnight. It did not immediately specify the targets or damage.

Overnight into Saturday, Russia struck Ukraine with 121 drones and one Iskander-M ballistic missile, according to the Ukrainian air force. It said 94 drones were shot down.

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