**Ukraine Hits Russian Oil Depot in Smolensk Oblast**
On December 31, Ukraine’s military confirmed that it had struck an oil depot in Russia’s Smolensk Oblast. The facility was targeted by a coordinated operation involving Ukrainian special forces and unmanned systems.
The attack caused powerful explosions, fires, and heavy smoke at the site. Regional authorities reported earlier that a Ukrainian drone had hit the fuel depot and an energy facility, sparking fires.
**Series of Strikes on Russian Oil Infrastructure**
This is not the first time Ukraine has targeted Russia’s oil infrastructure. On December 22, a drone strike was reported near the city of Oryol in western Russia. Videos showed large explosions, but the extent of the damage was unclear.
Just a week earlier, Ukrainian drones had struck the same oil depot in Oryol, causing several fires. The General Staff confirmed that it was one of Russia’s largest oil product terminals.
**Escalation of Drone Strikes**
Over the past year, Ukraine has increased its drone strikes on Russia’s oil industry. The goal is to undermine Moscow’s capacity to sustain its war efforts and supply its military operations.
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