Drones Hit Oil Depot in Russia’s Penza Region

On the night of January 23, Ukrainian strike drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Penza.

The Exilenova+ Telegram channel reported the incident and published videos recorded by eyewitnesses.

Penza Region Governor Oleg Melnychenko also confirmed that a fire broke out at the facility following the strike.

Preliminary reports indicate that the target was the Penzanefteprodukt oil depot, located within the city.

Several explosions were heard in the Russian city at around 4:00 a.m. local time. Shortly afterward, residents saw black smoke and a fire in one of the districts.

Photos and videos posted online show intense flames.

An air raid alert due to drone threats was declared in the Penza Region at 1:40 a.m. Temporary restrictions on aircraft arrivals and departures were also introduced at Penza Airport.

Several dozen firefighters and more than ten pieces of specialized equipment were involved in extinguishing the fire at the oil depot.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense said in a morning statement that its air defense systems allegedly shot down 12 Ukrainian drones overnight, including one over the Penza Region.