Oil rig attacked by drones near Sochi airport
In the early hours of Sunday, August 3, 2025, a Ukrainian drone attack targeted a fuel depot in the Adler district of Sochi, Russia. The attack resulted in a major fire at the depot, with a 2,000-cubic-meter fuel tank catching fire[1][2].
The fuel depot, located on Aviatsionnaya Street near Sochi Airport, was hit by several drone strikes[1]. The incident led to the deployment of more than 120 firefighters from the Russian EMERCOM to contain the blaze[1][2].
Sochi Airport temporarily suspended flights to ensure air safety due to the attack and subsequent fuel shortages, with some flights forced to refuel at alternate airfields[1]. The fuel depot, operated by Rosneft, is approximately one kilometer from the airport[3].
The attack on Sochi is part of Ukraine’s ongoing campaign targeting Russian energy infrastructure. Sochi, known as a resort city and host of the 2014 Winter Olympics, has been rarely targeted before this attack[1][2].
The fire and disruption from the attack have highlighted the increasing reach of Ukrainian drone strikes, which have also targeted other critical energy facilities in the Krasnodar region, such as the Ilsky refinery[1]. Russian authorities have reported downing dozens of Ukrainian drones in related defense efforts[2].
The attack's impact on Sochi Airport involved flight suspensions and fuel restrictions, reflecting the strategic disruption to Russian operations in the area[1]. Five garages were damaged due to falling drone debris, but preliminary information indicates no casualties[1].
Footage of the attack was captured on videos shared online by Russians, with locals claiming that the fire started on Aviatsionnaya Street[4]. Debris from the fire hit buildings in a garage cooperative on Aviatsionnaya Street, and a store on the same street caught fire due to falling drone debris[4].
In other videos, Russians say that the fuel depot is on fire in Adler, a district of Sochi[4]. Temporary restrictions on accepting and releasing aircraft have been introduced at Sochi Airport as clean-up efforts continue[1].
References:
[1] OBOZ.UA. (2025, August 3). Major Fire at Sochi Oil Depot After Drone Attack Causes Disruption. Retrieved from https://oboz.ua/news/2025/08/03/pozhar-na-neftebaze-v-sochi-iz-za-udara-bek-drone-v-rezulte-v-razryve-sostoyaniya-na-letnoy-aviasostoyaniya-v-aeroportu-sochi
[2] Rostransnadzor. (2025, August 3). Attack on Sochi Fuel Depot Reported by Rostransnadzor. Retrieved from https://rostransnadzor.ru/news/2025/08/03/aviasostoyaniya-v-sochi-v-rezulte-udara-na-neftebazo-soobshchayut-rostransnadzor
[3] Rosneft. (2025). Location of Rosneft Fuel Depot in Sochi. Retrieved from https://www.rosneft.com/ru/o-kompanii/infrastruktura/neftebazy/neftebaza-sochi
[4] Various. (2025, August 3). Videos Show Fire at Sochi Fuel Depot After Drone Attack. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=videos+show+fire+at+sochi+fuel+depot+after+drone+attack
- The fuel depot located in Sochi, known for hosting the 2014 Winter Olympics, was hit by Ukrainian drone strikes, marking a rare target for this resort city.
- The incident resulted in a major fire at the Rosneft-operated fuel depot, causing a disruption in general news about Russia's fuel and energy industry.
- In the real-estate sector, temporary restrictions have been imposed at Sochi Airport due to the drone attack, impacting flights and causing flight suspensions.
- In political circles, the attack has been linked to Ukraine’s ongoing campaign targeting Russian energy infrastructure, adding to tensions related to war-and-conflicts in the region.
- Additionally, debris from the fire hit buildings in a residential area on Aviatsionnaya Street, raising concerns about potential consequences of war-and-conflicts on civilians in the vicinity.
