Russian authorities reported drone attacks on multiple energy infrastructure sites overnight on July 9, impacting regions including Rostov Oblast and Volgograd Oblast.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, air defense forces intercepted and downed a significant number of drones across several regions: three in Belgorod Oblast, two in Voronezh Oblast, five in Astrakhan Oblast, seven in Kursk Oblast, and a staggering 21 in Rostov Oblast.
Following the attacks, operational restrictions were enforced at Volgograd and Astrakhan airports.
In Rostov Oblast, Governor Vasiliy Golubev reported that two transformers at a southwestern substation caught fire but were promptly extinguished by morning. Additionally, debris fell in Rostov-on-Don due to the drone activity.
Governor Andrey Bocharov of Volgograd Oblast stated that drone wreckage sparked fires at an oil depot in Kalach-na-Donu and a substation in Frolovo. The fire at Frolovo has since been contained.
As of now, the extent of damage and any casualties remains undisclosed in both affected regions.
The Ukrainian military has not officially commented on these incidents, and verification of claims by the Kyiv Independent has not been provided.
Notably, Ukrainian forces have been linked to previous drone strikes and sabotage operations targeting Russian military assets, oil refineries, and industrial facilities. A recent example cited Ukrainian drones, reportedly operated by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), in an attack on “Lukoil-Yugnefteprodukt” in Krasnodar Krai on July 7, according to a law enforcement source.
This ongoing tension underscores heightened geopolitical challenges in the region.
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