The BRICS TimesA fresh Ukrainian drone attack sparked a fire at Tuapse’s marine terminal on May 1. Amid conflicting reports, the nearby Rosneft refinery may also be burning again. Over 100 emergency responders rushed to the scene as the city, already under a state of emergency, braced for more chaos.
Fourth drone strike hits Tuapse port as fire engulfs marine terminal
A fire erupted at the marine terminal inside Russia’s Black Sea port of Tuapse on Friday. Ukrainian drones struck the facility for the fourth time, regional emergency officials confirmed. More than 100 firefighters and rescue personnel scrambled to control the blaze. Krasnodar region’s governor, Veniamin Kondratyev, had not commented on the attack at the time of reporting.
Conflicting reports raise questions about oil refinery damage
Independent broadcaster RTVI reported that the Rosneft-operated oil refinery in Tuapse was also in flames on Friday morning. RTVI journalists on the ground said they saw no fire at the marine terminal that authorities claimed was struck. The news outlet also reported a citywide power blackout. Officials have not addressed the refinery fire in any public statement so far.
Tuapse has been under emergency since Tuesday’s massive drone strike
Tuapse entered a state of emergency on Tuesday after a Ukrainian drone attack set the oil refinery ablaze. That attack forced the evacuation of nearby residents. Oil slicks spread into the coastal waters off Tuapse. Authorities confirmed on Thursday that the fire from that attack had finally been put out.
Rosneft refinery stopped operations after first April attack
The Rosneft-operated refinery had already halted all operations. Industry insiders said this happened after a drone strike on April 16. That earlier blaze burned for four straight days before firefighters contained it. Tuapse has now absorbed a string of devastating strikes on its critical energy infrastructure.
Health warnings issued as toxic benzene levels rise in the air
Russia’s consumer safety authority, Rospotrebnadzor, urged Tuapse residents to stay indoors as much as possible. Officials advised people to keep windows shut and wear masks when stepping outside. Elevated benzene levels in the air prompted these warnings after the repeated drone strikes. Benzene is a highly toxic chemical and a recognised human carcinogen.
City cancels all public events through Victory Day amid ongoing crisis
Municipal authorities cancelled every public event scheduled between May 1 and May 11. This period covers Labor Day and the high-profile Victory Day celebrations. Life in Tuapse has effectively ground to a halt under the shadow of repeated attacks and toxic air conditions.
Putin downplays danger while Russia intercepts 141 Ukrainian drones overnight
President Vladimir Putin, after a briefing from Governor Kondratyev, said there did not “seem to be any dangers and people are handling the challenges they face.” Russia’s Defense Ministry announced it intercepted 141 Ukrainian drones between Thursday night and Friday morning. The drones were brought down across eight Russian regions, including Krasnodar, as well as in annexed Crimea and over the Black Sea.
Two teenagers killed in Belgorod as drone attacks spread across Russia
In the southwestern Belgorod region, two teenagers riding a motorcycle were killed in Ukrainian drone attacks early Friday. Regional authorities confirmed the deaths. The strikes on Belgorod came alongside the broader overnight wave of drone activity targeting multiple Russian regions simultaneously.
Ukraine targets Russian oil infrastructure as Hormuz closure tightens the squeeze
Ukraine has sharply intensified strikes on Russian oil facilities over the past two months. The strategy aims to cut off Kremlin energy revenues during the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Russia has accused Ukraine of deepening the global energy crisis by continuing to strike major oil export hubs along its coastline.
