Russia Alleges Two Ukrainian Assault Helicopters Struck Belgorod Fuel Depot

A Russian official has alleged that two Ukrainian assault helicopters flew across the border and bombed a fuel depot in the eastern city of Belgorod, in what would be, if confirmed, the first known air raid by Ukraine’s forces on Russian soil since Moscow invaded its neighbour in late February. Video footage of the purported attack posted online on Friday showed what looked like several missiles being fired from low altitude, followed by an explosion that sparked a huge fire. The alleged strike in Belgorod, some 35 kilometres (22 miles) from the border with Ukraine.

Russian oil firm Rosneft, which owns the fuel depot, said in a separate statement that no one was hurt in the fire, though it gave no information on its cause. Fires are still blazing at the oil facility and the Russian ministry of emergency announced that the firefighting operations are still going on with around 200 firefighters using about 60 special units to fight the fires. This is the first time an oil facility has been targeted, Previously there were some incidents where Ukrainian shells fell over some villages in Belgorod region. An ammunition depot near Belgorod caught fire on Wednesday, causing a series of blasts. At the time, Gladkov said authorities were waiting for the Russian defence ministry to establish its cause.