**Ukrainian Drones Strike Russian Fuel Depot in Sochi Airport**
In a bold attack, Ukrainian drones successfully targeted a fuel depot at the airport in Russia’s resort city of Sochi on August 3. According to Ukraine’s General Staff, a strong fire broke out at the facility, which also housed military aviation units.
The strike marked one of the first times that Sochi has been directly targeted during the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. The city, which hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics, had largely avoided significant attacks until now. The attack is believed to be part of Ukraine’s campaign to disrupt Russian energy infrastructure, seen as crucial to Moscow’s war efforts.
**Flights Suspended as Fuel Restrictions Imposed**
Following the strike, flights at Sochi Airport were suspended by Russia’s civil aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, to ensure air safety. The fuel restrictions imposed due to the attack on the oil reservoir forced some flights departing from Sochi Airport to make additional landings at alternate airfields to refuel.
**Sochi’s Rare Targeting**
While Sochi has not been a frequent target during the war, there was a previous Ukrainian drone attack in the Adler district last month that reportedly killed a woman, according to Russian authorities. The attack on the fuel depot in Sochi is a significant escalation and highlights Ukraine’s determination to disrupt Russia’s energy infrastructure.
**Commentary**
“This latest strike is a clear demonstration of Ukraine’s continued campaign to target critical Russian infrastructure,” said Chris York, news operations editor at the Kyiv Independent. “The fact that Sochi has been targeted for the first time in this manner shows that Ukraine is willing to take bold action to disrupt Russia’s war efforts.”
“The impact of these attacks on Russian energy infrastructure will likely be felt across the country, and it remains to be seen how Moscow responds to this escalation,” York added.
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