Ukraine Strikes Oil Depot Near Russian Air Base, Ukrainian Military Says

Ukraine launched an attack on an oil depot near a crucial military airfield in southern Russia on Wednesday, according to the Ukrainian military. This strike is part of a larger campaign to cause damage deep within Russia, even as Ukrainian forces face setbacks on the battlefield at home.

The military stated that they targeted the Kristall oil storage facility in Engels, approximately 300 miles from the border between the two countries. The depot supplied fuel to the Engels airfield, which is known to be used for Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and as a base for long-range, nuclear-capable bombers.

A Russian official on the Telegram messaging app reported a “massive” drone attack on Engels. The governor of the Saratov region mentioned that the air defenses intercepted the drones, but debris from the interception caused a fire at an industrial facility.

Tragically, two firefighters lost their lives while trying to extinguish the blaze, as the fire continued to rage and a state of emergency was declared.

A video shared on Telegram and verified by The New York Times showed multiple structures on fire at the Kristall facility, located about five miles from the Engels airfield. Other videos confirmed by The Times displayed what seemed to be several explosions and large plumes of smoke billowing into the air.

Kyiv has repeatedly targeted the airfield to minimize strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which have resulted in power outages and challenges for the Ukrainian grid, prompting officials to seek alternative power sources.

This recent attack coincided with Ukrainian forces launching a renewed offensive in the Kursk region of western Russia. Both sides have reported intense fighting in Kursk, where Ukrainian troops made significant territorial gains in a surprise incursion last summer.

Russia has since recaptured a portion of the lost territory. Analysts believe that Ukraine’s new offensive is an effort to regain momentum and demonstrate strength before the inauguration of President-elect Donald J. Trump.

Mr. Trump has pledged to end the conflict swiftly, raising concerns that his administration might cut off military aid to Ukraine. In response, the Biden administration is expediting additional assistance to Kyiv before Mr. Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20.

Two senior U.S. defense officials revealed that the Biden administration is preparing to announce a substantial final aid package for Ukraine on Thursday. This announcement coincides with Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III’s visit to Germany for discussions with a coalition of countries supporting Kyiv.

This meeting marks Mr. Austin’s 25th and final gathering with the coalition, comprised of approximately 50 nations, established to address Ukraine’s security needs following Russia’s invasion in 2022.

The Pentagon indicated that the meeting will focus on ensuring the continued delivery of essential capabilities, including air defense systems, artillery munitions, and armored vehicles.

When asked about concerns regarding the coalition’s future under the new U.S. administration, the defense officials expressed confidence in European allies continuing the collaborative efforts, regardless of potential changes in U.S. support.

While the scope of the Kursk offensive remains uncertain, military experts suggest that it could be a strategy to compel Russia to redirect troops from eastern Ukraine, where they have been steadily advancing against Kyiv’s defenses.

On Monday, Russia declared capturing Kurakhove, a strategic town in eastern Ukraine, following months of intense fighting.

Sanjana Varghese, John Ismay and Nataliya Vasilyeva contributed to this report.