Strikes in the Dark: Ukraine’s Drones Target Russian Fuel, Igniting the Engines of War?
The air hangs thick with the acrid smell of burning oil, a familiar scent that clings to the edges of this conflict. From the skeletal remains of bombed-out buildings in the east to the distant glow on the horizon, fire has become a grim punctuation mark in this war. But lately, a new kind of fire has been consuming the Russian war machine from within: the flames licking at strategically vital fuel depots, ignited by Ukrainian drones. These aren’t just pinprick attacks; they are calculated strikes aimed at the very lifeblood of Russia’s invasion. The YouTube videos emerging from both sides of the front lines offer fragmented but compelling glimpses into this unfolding campaign, raising a crucial question: are these drone strikes truly fueling the war effort β or are they strategically starving the beast?
Key Takeaways from the Drone War’s Digital Footprint:
Deep Strikes Demonstrate Evolving Capabilities: Videos like Video 1 ("Strike on Russiaβs oil depots leaves invadersβ bombers, military equipment without fuel") and Video 6 ("Flying 600 km, drones launched a strike: Fire at key military fuel depot in Russia continues") paint a clear picture: Ukraine is hitting targets deep inside Russian territory. The Engels airbase strike, highlighted in both, is particularly significant. As the description of Video 6 notes, this base houses strategic bombers used to launch missiles against Ukraine. The ability to reach targets hundreds of kilometers away signifies a growing sophistication in Ukraine’s drone technology and operational reach. Imagine the tension in the control room as those drones navigate vast distances, the operators holding their breath until the tell-tale plume of smoke confirms the hit.
Logistical Nightmares for Moscow: Several videos emphasize the impact on Russian logistics. Video 1 explicitly states the aim is to damage Russia’s oil industry, "crucial to sustain Moscow’s war efforts." Video 4 ("03 Jan: MASSIVE UKRAINIAN STRIKE & SABOTAGE CAMPAIGN. | War in Ukraine Explained") details the cascading effects of these strikes, noting how the destruction of fuel depots in Smolensk forces Russia to rely more on infantry, "causing them even higher losses." You can almost hear the gears grinding to a halt, the convoys struggling to move, the front lines feeling the pinch. The visual of a burning oil depot, as likely captured in some of these videos, is a powerful symbol of this disruption.
Targeting Military Infrastructure: The focus isn’t solely on civilian oil depots. Video 3 ("NAVAL DRONES AND HIMARS STRIKE: SEVASTOPOL, KURSK, SMOLENSK ON FIRE Vlog 910: War in Ukraine") and Video 4 highlight strikes against military facilities and troop deployments. The description of Video 3 details a strike in the Kursk region targeting the deployment site of Sevastopol’s 810th Marine Brigade. This suggests a coordinated effort to cripple not just fuel supplies but also the infrastructure supporting troop movements and command structures. These are the kinds of strikes that keep military planners on edge, forcing them to constantly adapt and relocate.
Printed on one side, you can't tell from a distant whether it's the real bill or a fake one. Excellent for close-up magic. No smoke and ash left after burning. Pack contains ten U.S. bill-sized sheets of flash paper.
Cheech & Chong's Up In Smoke Beaker Bong This Cheech & Chong beaker-style water pipe stands 7.25 inches tall with attached downstem and 14mm male bowl. Pipe comes in assorted colors. Officially licensed. Available colors are dependent on current inventory. HIGHLIGHTS 7.25"" tall: Provides a compact yet effective size for easy handling and storage. 14mm female pipe: Ensures compatibility with a variety of accessories. Attached downstem diffuser: Enhances the smoking experience by providing smooth, filtered hits. Beaker style with bent neck: Offers stability and a comfortable smoking angle. Includes 14mm male herb slide: Conveniently allows for the use of dry herbs. Colors vary: Adds a fun element of surprise and individuality to each purchase.
No matter when and where the mess strikes, stay on top of it with this compact, lightweight shop vacuum. The highly portable design is perfect for quick pick-ups around the house. Never before have we offered so much power and versatility in one portable package. The impressive 6.0 peak HP motor can handle any task, and when detached will blow you away.
The Naval Drone Enigma:Video 3 and Video 4 bring a new dimension to the drone war: naval drones. The confirmed destruction of Russian Mi-8 helicopters by Ukraine’s Magura V5 naval drones, as described in Video 4, is a game-changer in the Black Sea. The grainy footage, likely captured by the drone itself, would show the agile craft evading fire before delivering its payload. This development opens up new possibilities for Ukrainian operations and challenges Russia’s dominance in the maritime domain.
Information Warfare and Psychological Impact: The very act of these strikes, and the subsequent release of information and videos, has a significant psychological impact. Video 1, despite its relatively low view count, highlights the Russian reaction, quoting local Telegram channels and officials confirming the Engels attack. This transparency, even from the Russian side, underscores the undeniable reality of these strikes and their ability to penetrate deep into what was once considered safe territory. The fear and uncertainty this sows within Russia are intangible but potent weapons.
Strategic Calculus: Beyond the Blast Radius
These drone strikes are more than just isolated incidents of destruction. They represent a calculated strategy by Ukraine to exploit a key vulnerability in the Russian war machine: its reliance on a vast and often exposed logistical network. By targeting fuel depots, Ukraine aims to create cascading shortages, impacting everything from the movement of tanks and armored vehicles to the resupply of frontline troops and the operation of air power. The strikes on Engels, a strategic bomber base, are particularly significant, potentially degrading Russia’s ability to launch long-range missile attacks.
Furthermore, these attacks force Russia to divert resources to air defense and the protection of these vital assets, drawing away manpower and equipment from other areas of the front. It’s a strategic chess match played out in the skies and on the ground, with each successful strike forcing the opponent to react and reallocate. The emergence of naval drones adds another layer of complexity, demonstrating Ukraine’s innovative approach to warfare and its ability to adapt and overcome technological disadvantages.
No matter when and where the mess strikes, stay on top of it with this compact, lightweight shop vacuum. The highly portable design is perfect for quick pick-ups around the house. Never before have we offered so much power and versatility in one portable package. The impressive 6.0 peak HP motor can handle any task, and when detached will blow you away.
Printed on one side, you can't tell from a distant whether it's the real bill or a fake one. Excellent for close-up magic. No smoke and ash left after burning. Pack contains ten U.S. bill-sized sheets of flash paper.
Cheech & Chong's Up In Smoke Beaker Bong This Cheech & Chong beaker-style water pipe stands 7.25 inches tall with attached downstem and 14mm male bowl. Pipe comes in assorted colors. Officially licensed. Available colors are dependent on current inventory. HIGHLIGHTS 7.25"" tall: Provides a compact yet effective size for easy handling and storage. 14mm female pipe: Ensures compatibility with a variety of accessories. Attached downstem diffuser: Enhances the smoking experience by providing smooth, filtered hits. Beaker style with bent neck: Offers stability and a comfortable smoking angle. Includes 14mm male herb slide: Conveniently allows for the use of dry herbs. Colors vary: Adds a fun element of surprise and individuality to each purchase.
Witness the Impact: A War Fought in Flames and Pixels
The videos analyzed here offer a fragmented but vital window into the ongoing drone campaign against Russian fuel supplies. They depict a war fought not just with soldiers and artillery, but with the silent hum of electric motors and the fiery bloom of explosions in the night. These strikes are not just about destroying infrastructure; they are about disrupting supply lines, degrading military capabilities, and ultimately, impacting the very sustainability of Russia’s war effort. Scroll down to witness the raw, unfiltered glimpses of this strategic campaign, captured in the pixels and shaky camera footage that define the information age battlefield. The question remains: can these persistent strikes truly starve the Russian war machine, or will they simply fuel a longer, more desperate conflict? The answer, like the smoke from the burning oil depots, remains to be seen, shifting with each new strike and every uploaded video.
View the curated videos below
Strike on Russiaβs oil depots leaves invadersβ bombers, military equipment without fuelKanal1320,363 views | 1,093 | January 9 2025 06:00:06 (34 comments)[ Read more … ]
#Kanal13β #likekanal13β #subscribekanal13 #warinukraine https://www.youtube.com/user/kanal13az?sub_confirmation=1 – SUBSCRIBE TO US! Over the past year, Ukrainian forces have launched a series of drone strikes aimed at damaging Russia’s oil industry, which is crucial to sustain Moscow’s war efforts, as well as its military hardware. As Russia’s full-scale invasion continues, Ukraine has also continued to attack Russian targets along the Russia-Ukraine border to inflict damage to the country’s military supply chain. For example, a large fire engulfed an oil depot overnight on Jan. 8 in the city of Engels in Saratov Oblast, various Russian Telegram media channels reported. Saratov Oblast Governor Roman Busargin said Ukrainian drone debris struck an unspecified “industrial facility”, amid a “massive” drone attack on the city. Russian Telegram channel ASTRA reported, citing resident accounts, that that an oil depot in the city had caught fire. “There is debris hitting an industrial facility in Engels. Fire brigades and emergency services are working at the scene,” the Russian official stated in a social media post. Meanwhile, the Telegram channel Shot reported hearing between five and twelve “loud explosions” in Engels. However, a subsequent update on the channel revised the number to approximately 40 explosions. The Exilenova+ Telegram channel also reported on the burning oil facility in Engels, accompanied by footage from the city. According to initial reports from the Telegram channel Exilenova+, the oil depot at the Crystal Plant of the Russian Reserve was likely hit during the attack. It was also noted online that this facility is used for storing aviation fuel for the local Engels-2 airbase. Engels, located over 750 kilometers away from the nearest Ukrainian-controlled border, has previously been a target of Ukrainian drone attack, with the city housing the the Engels-2 air base. Engels, is home to a major base for Russiaβs strategic Tu-160 bombers. These bombers are used by Russian forces during aerial attacks on Ukrainian territory. The Engels-2 airbase officially hosts the 121st Sevastopol Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment and the 184th Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment. These units operate Tu-160 and Tu-95MS strategic bombers, respectively. Explosions in Engels are not a new occurrence. Such incidents have previously been reported near the local military airfield. For instance, explosions were reported at the Engels airbase on September 17, 2024. At that time, several Tu-95 and Tu-160 strategic bombers were believed to be present at the base. The Russian side also reported a drone strike on Engels and Saratov on August 26. In July, explosions were reported at the Engels airfield in the Saratov region due to a drone attack. According to RBC-Ukraine sources, this was an operation carried out by Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. Additionally, explosions were reported in Engels in April, with the Russian side attributing them to a drone attack. http://youtube.com/kanal13az/join – click here and support Kanal13 monthly for distributing more videos and independent journalism
KANAL13 [ AzΙrbaycanΔ±n ilk peΕΙkar internet televiziyasΔ± ] The First Internet TV of Azerbaijan
Tags: #Ukriane, #Russia, #Putin, #Putler, #Russian invasion of Ukraine, #Zelenski, #Kiev, #Kyiv, #Kadirov army, #Kadirov, #Kherson, #Bucha, #Kharkiv, #Ukrainian pilots, #vagners, #Russian tanks, #NATO, #drones, #Moscow, #Kreml, #war victims #Ukraina, News, The Washington Post, waPo Video, Washington Post Video, Washington Post YouTube, a:politics, aid, biden, putin, s:Politics, support, t:Other, Ukraine, war, fact check, news coverage, Donald Trump, news, wp video, forbes, nytimes, newspaper, media, journalism, Ilham Aliyev, Baku, Azerbaijan, Israel, Gaza, Palestine, Tel-Aviv, Garabag, Karabakh, football, ronaldo, messi, brian tyler cohen
Advertisement
Ukrainian Drones Hit Oil Depot in Oryol, RussiaSuchomimus38,033 views | 6,309 | December 14 2024 08:00:04 (100 comments)[ Read more … ]
A Ukrainian drone strike on Oryol
Donation Link https://donorbox.org/trucks-under-christmas-tree/fundraiser/suchomimus
Advertisement
NAVAL DRONES AND HIMARS STRIKE: SEVASTOPOL, KURSK, SMOLENSK ON FIRE Vlog 910: War in UkraineAnna from Ukraine29,927 views | 6,245 | December 31 2024 21:10:57 (746 comments)[ Read more … ]
π₯ 00:00 β Historic Strike in Crimea The Ukrainian naval drone Magura V5 made history by destroying a Russian Mi-8 helicopter. A powerful blow to Russian logistics and capabilities. ππ₯ π’οΈ 04:45 β Oil Depot Ablaze in Smolensk A drone attack set a Russian military oil depot on fire in the Smolensk region, causing significant damage to fuel reserves. ππ₯ π― 07:00 β Strike in Kursk Region Another precise hit targeted the deployment site of Sevastopol’s 810th Marine Brigade in Lgov, Kursk region. π£π
You can always buy me a coffee for more video projects to come: βοΈ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AnnafromUkraine or become my patron: πΊπ¦ https://www.patreon.com/AnnafromUkraine or choose our merch on: β€οΈ https://annafromukraine.com/
β Follow me on Instagram π https://www.instagram.com/anna_from_ukraine_official/ β Follow me on Twitter π https://twitter.com/AnnaFromUA_YT β Follow me on Bluesky π https://bsky.app/profile/annafromukraine.bsky.social β Join me on Discord π https://discord.gg/xZJFeyxTwA
Real life stories about russian war against independent Ukraine. Short war stories that the world needs to know. Ask your questions and get your answers. I am not a professional vlogger, but I feel YouTube community needs more truth. Stand with Ukraine!
Advertisement
03 Jan: MASSIVE UKRAINIAN STRIKE & SABOTAGE CAMPAIGN. | War in Ukraine ExplainedReporting from Ukraine409,344 views | 29,981 | January 3 2025 19:00:20 (709 comments)[ Read more … ]
π΄ LAST CHANCE: Support our Channel Today and Get a 40% New Year Discount on Exclusive Videos: https://www.rfunews.com/christmas-sale
Today there are a lot of interesting updates from the Russian Federation.
Here, Ukrainian forces have launched a new wave of precision strikes targeting key Russian assets, showcasing their ability to disrupt not only the military command chain but also logistical networks and challenge Russiaβs strategic capabilities. This series of coordinated attacks employed a combination of HIMARS, Storm Shadow missiles, and innovative drone technology to devastating effect.
Firstly, the Ukrainians decided to strike command posts and troop deployments, and they did it in a particularly effective way. In the Oryol region, they used Storm Shadow missiles to obliterate a military facility and kill several Russian soldiers and officers.
Then the Ukrainian forces targeted the main Russian supply hub for the counteroffensive in Kursk which is situated in Lgov by destroying a location known for the presence of Russian troops. Lgov was also target of a precision strike with HIMARS, showcasing the level of Ukrainian surveillance and infiltration, which allowed them to hit the local railway station just moments after fresh Russian reinforcements have arrived.
Ukrainian operators also targeted command centers in Zaporizhzhia, decimating Russian leadership with another HIMARS strike. In one operation, three high-ranking enemy officers were eliminated, alongside the destruction of their vehicles and the subsequent disruption of evacuation efforts which eliminated any chance of survival of the Russians. These actions against command posts and troop concentrations aim to weaken Russian coordination and hinder their operational tempo.
Secondly, Ukraine has maintained relentless pressure on Russian logistics, targeting key railway networks to disrupt supply chains critical for Russiaβs military operations. Initial explosions in the Voronezh region halted train services due to extensive rail damage, setting the tone for continued sabotage. In the Moscow region, additional blasts caused further destruction to the rail network, significantly hindering freight movement. Notably, freight cars designated for military transport were destroyed in Voskresensk, while unidentified saboteurs set electric trains ablaze in Moscowβs suburbs, rendering them unusable. By systematically crippling Russiaβs rail infrastructure, which is an essential backbone of its logistics network, Ukraine has not only delayed the flow of supplies but also amplified the logistical strain on Russiaβs military campaigns.
Thirdly, fuel and oil depots remain a prime target for Ukrainian strikes. Starting with an explosion at a gas station in Grozny causing local fuel shortage, Ukrainian forces also successfully destroyed the important oil depot in Smolensk with drones, causing a fire that consumed large quantities of lubricants and fuel. Such an attack directly impacts Russiaβs mechanized operations, slowing their ability to mount offensive and maintain supply chains and forcing them to use infantry without armored support, which causes them even higher losses.
Lastly comes a groundbreaking achievement of which we have already covered the first steps in a previous report. Now we have the first confirmed destructions of two Russian Mi-8 helicopters by Ukraineβs Magura V5 naval drones, equipped with missile armament. The Main Military Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine released footage from one of the drones showing how they dodged fire from the Russian helicopters before successfully intercepting them. The video shows the confirmed destruction of one helicopter and the damage to a second one, initially thought to have been able to return to its base.
In a shocking turn, it was later confirmed by a prominent Russian military analyst that the second Mi-8 was also destroyed when he wished his condolences to the relatives of the members of the two helicopter crews. This engagement near Crimea marked a turning point in the dynamics of the war in the Black Sea. Russian helicopters, once dominant in countering naval drones, are now vulnerable prey. The downing of these aircraft opens the path for Ukrainian naval drones to operate with greater freedom, potentially reshaping the maritime battle even further.
Ukraineβs multifaceted approach deep behind the frontline, targeting command centers, logistics, fuel supplies, and even finding a solution to aerial threats at sea has dealt severe blows to Russiaβs war efforts. By systematically dismantling critical components of the Russian military infrastructure, Ukraine is forcing Moscow to divert resources, rethink strategies, and operate under mounting logistical strain.
Advertisement
Massive explosion and fire occurred at an oil refinery after Ukrainian drones attacked BryanskKanal1327,451 views | 983 | December 11 2024 08:06:46 (35 comments)[ Read more … ]
#Kanal13β #likekanal13β #subscribekanal13 #warinukraine https://www.youtube.com/user/kanal13az?sub_confirmation=1 – SUBSCRIBE TO US! On the night of December 11, a drone attack took place in the Bryansk region of Russia. Local Telegram channels reported this. As a result of the drone strikes, an explosion and fire occurred at the loading point of the Druzhba oil pipeline in the Sven settlement of the Bryansk region. There are no reports of casualties. http://youtube.com/kanal13az/join – click here and support Kanal13 monthly for distributing more videos and independent journalism
KANAL13 [ AzΙrbaycanΔ±n ilk peΕΙkar internet televiziyasΔ± ] The First Internet TV of Azerbaijan
Tags: #Ukriane, #Russia, #Putin, #Putler, #Russian invasion of Ukraine, #Zelenski, #Kiev, #Kyiv, #Kadirov army, #Kadirov, #Kherson, #Bucha, #Kharkiv, #Ukrainian pilots, #vagners, #Russian tanks, #NATO, #drones, #Moscow, #Kreml, #war victims #Ukraina, News, The Washington Post, waPo Video, Washington Post Video, Washington Post YouTube, a:politics, aid, biden, putin, s:Politics, support, t:Other, Ukraine, war, fact check, news coverage, Donald Trump, news, wp video, forbes, nytimes, newspaper, media, journalism, Ilham Aliyev, Baku, Azerbaijan, Israel, Gaza, Palestine, Tel-Aviv, Garabag, Karabakh, football, ronaldo, messi, brian tyler cohen
Advertisement
Flying 600 km, drones launched a strike: Fire at key military fuel depot in Russia continuesKanal138,925 views | 384 | January 8 2025 15:21:36 (22 comments)[ Read more … ]
#Kanal13β #likekanal13β #subscribekanal13 #warinukraine https://www.youtube.com/user/kanal13az?sub_confirmation=1 – SUBSCRIBE TO US! The Ukrainian military said Wednesday that it struck a fuel storage depot deep inside Russia, causing a huge blaze at the facility that supplies an important Russian air base.
Ukraineβs General Staff said that the assault hit the storage facility near Engels, in Russiaβs Saratov region, about 600 kilometers east of the Ukrainian border. The depot supplied a nearby airfield used by aircraft that launch missiles across the border into Ukraine, a statement on Facebook said.
Ukraine has been developing its arsenal of domestically produced long-range missiles and drones capable of reaching deep behind the front line as it faces restrictions on the range that its military can fire its Western-supplied missiles into Russia.
The attacks have disrupted Russian logistics in the almost three-year war, which began on Feb. 24, and embarrassed the Kremlin.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said last year that his country has developed a weapon that could hit a target 700 kilometers away. Some Ukrainian drone attacks have hit targets more than 1,000 kilometers away.
The governor of the Saratov region, Roman Busargin, said that an unspecified industrial plant in Engels sustained damage from the falling drone debris that sparked a fire, but nobody was hurt.
Engels, which has a population of more than 220,000, is located on the left bank of the Volga River, and is home to multiple industrial plants. Saratov, a major industrial city of about 900,000, faces Engels across the river.
βThe damage to the oil base creates serious logistical problems for the strategic aviation of the Russian occupiers and significantly reduces their ability to strike peaceful Ukrainian cities and civilian objects. To be continued,β the statement from Ukraineβs General Staff said.
Russian authorities restricted flights early Wednesday at the airports of Saratov, Ulyanovsk, Kazan and Nizhnekamsk, in an apparent response to the Ukrainian attack. http://youtube.com/kanal13az/join – click here and support Kanal13 monthly for distributing more videos and independent journalism
KANAL13 [ AzΙrbaycanΔ±n ilk peΕΙkar internet televiziyasΔ± ] The First Internet TV of Azerbaijan
Tags: #Ukriane, #Russia, #Putin, #Putler, #Russian invasion of Ukraine, #Zelenski, #Kiev, #Kyiv, #Kadirov army, #Kadirov, #Kherson, #Bucha, #Kharkiv, #Ukrainian pilots, #vagners, #Russian tanks, #NATO, #drones, #Moscow, #Kreml, #war victims #Ukraina, News, The Washington Post, waPo Video, Washington Post Video, Washington Post YouTube, a:politics, aid, biden, putin, s:Politics, support, t:Other, Ukraine, war, fact check, news coverage, Donald Trump, news, wp video, forbes, nytimes, newspaper, media, journalism, Ilham Aliyev, Baku, Azerbaijan, Israel, Gaza, Palestine, Tel-Aviv, Garabag, Karabakh, football, ronaldo, messi, brian tyler cohen
Advertisement
About the Author
Patryk Alexander is an associate copy editor at 4kVideoDrones.com, where he sharpens articles and helps keep the website's content clean and error-free. With a background in creative writing, Patryk brings a unique perspective to his editing that helps make 4kVideoDrones.com's content engaging and informative. When he's not editing or writing, Patryk enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the great outdoors.
