A significant fire broke out on the night of 28th April 2025 at an oil tank containing diesel fuel in the industrial area of Kirilovka village, located in the city of Novorossiysk in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai. According to the mayor of Novorossiysk, Andrei Kravchenko, the fire quickly spread to nearby passenger vehicles and storage containers. He speculated that this attack was part of Ukraine’s ongoing strategy to disrupt Russian logistics and supply lines supporting the occupation forces throughout 2024. Ukraine has frequently targeted Russian oil depots and refineries, with a marked escalation in long-range drone attacks on Russian fuel facilities earlier in 2025.
Though Ukraine paused major strikes on Russian fuel facilities during a month-long ceasefire aimed at energy strikes, Kravchenko reported that the fire was brought under control later that evening, with further dismantling and soaking operations continuing. The cause of the fire would be investigated after it was fully extinguished.
Eyewitnesses in the area reported hearing multiple explosions, with some local residents sharing videos of the incident online. One local remarked, “Oh, another explosion – what’s blowing up there?” According to Russian Telegram channel Kuban 24, several “pops,” a term used by Russian media for explosions, were heard. In one video, an eyewitness commented on hearing three blasts, although Russia’s Ministry of Defence claimed it had intercepted or shot down 91 Ukrainian drones overnight, though it did not specify any activity over Krasnodar Krai. No official confirmation from Ukraine’s general staff has been given about their involvement in the incident.
Kravchenko’s report suggested the fire involved a rail tank car, though some eyewitnesses claimed it occurred at an oil depot. The exact location of the blaze remains unclear, as the train unloading area is adjacent to the depot’s fuel tanks.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continued to engage Russian units in the Toretsk sector, where they successfully repelled an assault combining an armoured column and high-speed motorcycles. Despite heavy losses, Russian forces are attempting to break through defensive lines, including near critical logistical routes such as the Pakovski Highway. Ukrainian forces in the area face ongoing challenges as Russian troops target key positions in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, aiming to advance further into Ukraine’s territory.
In Kherson Oblast, Russian forces are also attempting to capture islands in the Dnieper River, deploying reconnaissance operations to gain control of the area. Additionally, Russian attacks on Ukrainian rescue crews using glide bombs and artillery continue, demonstrating the ruthless tactics employed by the Russian military.
