Published: 20:27, January 8, 2025
Ukraine claims attack on oil depot supplying Russia's Engels-2 airfield
By Xinhua
In this photo released by Governor of the Saratov region Roman Busargin telegram channel on Jan 8, 2025, firefighters and rescuers work at the industrial side damaged after Ukrainian drones' attack in Saratov, Russia. (GOVERNOR OF THE SARATOV REGION ROMAN BUSARGIN TELEGRAM CHANNEL VIA AP)

KYIV – The Ukrainian forces struck the Kombinat Kristal oil depot in southwest Russia's Saratov region on Wednesday, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said.

"This oil depot supplied fuel to the Engels-2 military airfield, where the enemy's strategic aviation is based," it said in a statement.

READ MORE: Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant reports drone attack from Ukraine

The strike caused multiple explosions and a large-scale fire at the site, which is expected to create "serious logistical problems" for Russia's strategic aviation, potentially undermining its ability to carry out attacks on Ukraine, according to the statement.

ALSO READ: Blinken admits US sent arms to Ukraine ahead of conflict

The Engels-2 military airfield is a key base for Russia's Tu-95, Tu-22, and Tu-160 strategic bombers, which are used for airstrikes on Ukraine, local media reported.