(PENZA, PENZA OBLAST, RUSSIA) – A Ukrainian drone strike has caused a large fire at an oil storage depot in the Russian city of Penza, according to reports from Russian sources, marking another successful long range attack on Russia’s fuel infrastructure.
Russian Telegram channels reported that the attack took place at around 4:00 am local time, when drones struck the depot and ignited a fire that required a significant emergency response. Fire crews were dispatched to the site shortly after the incident was reported.
According to the same sources, at least 14 fire engines and 46 emergency personnel were deployed to contain the blaze. The scale of the response suggests that the fire was substantial and difficult to control.
While Russian authorities did not immediately confirm how many drones were involved in the strike, images and video circulating on social media showed large flames and thick smoke rising from the facility, indicating that one or more fuel tanks may have been hit.
Satellite imagery of the site shows that the Penza oil depot is a medium sized facility consisting of a cluster of 19 fuel storage tanks, with two additional tanks located slightly apart from the main group. Analysts believe the clustered tanks would have been the most likely target, as fires in such areas can spread rapidly between adjacent storage units.
The depot had not previously been reported as a target of Ukrainian strikes. However, Penza was the site of an earlier drone attack in December, when a ball bearing factory in the same city was damaged.
The strike represents a significant operational range for Ukrainian forces, with the depot located more than 600 kilometres from the Ukrainian border. It highlights the increasing reach and effectiveness of Ukrainian drones against strategic infrastructure deep inside Russian territory.
The attack comes amid discussions about a proposed energy ceasefire, which is expected to be raised during upcoming talks involving Ukraine, Russia and the United States. The proposal would aim to limit attacks on energy facilities on both sides.
Ukrainian officials have not commented publicly on the Penza strike. Past statements from Kyiv have framed such operations as legitimate responses to Russia’s continued attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure under the direction of the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
