- A fire and explosion hit the Sudzha gas facility in Russia’s Kursk region, with Ukraine denying involvement and accusing Russia of provocation.
- A Ukrainian drone attack caused an explosion at an oil depot in Krasnodar, Russia, injuring two firefighters and spreading the fire across 10,000 square metres.
A major explosion and fire broke out early on Friday at a gas pumping station in Russia’s Kursk region, near the Ukrainian border. The Sudzha facility, once used by Gazprom to export gas through Ukraine to Europe, is located in an area recently retaken by Russian forces after intense fighting with Ukrainian troops.
Videos on social media showed the fire, and Reuters confirmed the location using landmarks. Some Russian media blamed Ukraine for the attack, but Ukraine denied involvement. It accused Russian forces of shelling the facility as a provocation.
Russia and Ukraine had agreed to avoid targeting each other’s energy infrastructure after talks between US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. However, both sides continue to accuse each other of breaking this agreement.
Later on Friday, March 21, another explosion occurred at an oil depot in Russia’s Krasnodar region following a Ukrainian drone attack. The fire had been burning for hours before the explosion. It spread to another tank, increasing the affected area to 10,000 square metres (108,000 square feet).
Over 450 firefighters worked to control the fire, and two were injured. Authorities also detected harmful chemicals, including benzene, nearby.
Both Russia and Ukraine have targeted each other’s energy infrastructure during the war. Russia has attacked Ukraine’s energy grid, causing blackouts, while Ukraine has struck Russian oil and gas facilities, arguing they fuel Russia’s military efforts.
Russia’s foreign ministry said Ukraine violated the agreement by attacking the oil depot.