SOCHI, RUSSIA — An escalating drone war between Russia and Ukraine reached a new symbolic and strategic point over the weekend as a Ukrainian drone strike sparked a massive fire at an oil depot near the Black Sea resort city of Sochi. The attack, confirmed by Krasnodar Region Governor Veniamin Kondratyev, led to the deployment of 127 firefighters and the temporary suspension of flights at Sochi International Airport.

The incident was part of a coordinated overnight drone barrage targeting multiple Russian cities. The Russian Ministry of Defence reported intercepting 93 Ukrainian drones, with other strikes reported in Ryazan, Penza, and Voronezh, where four civilians were injured. These attacks underscore Ukraine’s growing capability to strike deep into Russian territory.

🏚️ Russia Responds with Strikes on Civilian Areas

In a swift and devastating retaliation, Russian missile strikes intensified against Ukrainian cities. The southern city of Mykolaiv bore the brunt of a major assault, which local authorities said destroyed residential homes and civilian infrastructure. At least seven people were injured, with three victims remaining hospitalized, according to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. This pattern of strikes on Mykolaiv follows a series of previous attacks on the key city near the southern frontline.

The recent violence comes just days after a deadly missile strike on Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, that claimed the lives of at least 31 civilians in one of the worst attacks on the city since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. That attack reportedly involved more than 300 drones and eight cruise missiles.

🌐 Trump Pushes for New Sanctions Amid Escalation

In response to the latest violence, U.S. President Donald Trump has condemned the Kremlin’s actions. Signaling a tougher stance, Trump has warned that new sanctions may be imminent, reiterating his previous threat that Russia would face steep tariffs if the conflict continued.

President Trump had previously given President Putin a deadline of 50 days to end the conflict in July, which he later narrowed to “10 or 12 days.” This new deadline is now set for August 8, with the implicit threat of new punitive measures if a peace agreement is not reached.

❓ FAQs

Q: What caused the fire in Sochi? A: Russian officials state that debris from a Ukrainian drone strike hit a fuel tank at an oil depot, causing a massive fire.

Q: How many drones were launched? A: Russia’s Ministry of Defence reported that air defense systems intercepted 93 Ukrainian drones.

Q: Where else did Ukrainian drones hit? A: Beyond Sochi, drones targeted Ryazan, Penza, and Voronezh, with injuries reported in the latter city.

Q: How many were injured in Mykolaiv? A: Following Russian missile strikes on residential areas, at least seven civilians were injured, with three hospitalized.

Q: What is the international response? A: U.S. President Donald Trump has condemned Russia’s actions and put forward a deadline of August 8 for Russia to end the war, threatening new sanctions if the deadline is not met.
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