Massive explosion at Russian air force base following Ukrainian drone attack | Watch

A massive explosion and large fire were recorded overnight at the Russian air force base in Rostov during a widespread Ukrainian drone attack. Residents documented flames and a large blast alongside anti-aircraft fire. The ASTRA site assessed that the fire broke out in the aircraft parking area. According to Ukrainian reports, aircraft and helicopters were hit, but this has not been verified. Meanwhile, drones struck an oil refinery in Yaroslavl, and Russia attacked Ukraine with about 160 drones and missiles.

A massive explosion and large fire were recorded overnight (Thursday) at the Russian air force base "Rostov" in southern Russia during a widespread Ukrainian drone attack. Local residents documented flames on the facility's grounds and subsequently a large blast, alongside sounds of anti-aircraft systems firing and secondary explosions. The independent Russian investigative site ASTRA examined the footage and assessed that the fire broke out on the base's territory, in the aircraft parking area. According to Ukrainian reports, a secondary explosion occurred at the site, which may indicate damage to fuel depots or ammunition, but this claim has not yet been independently verified. The AP reported, based on Ukrainian information, that several Russian aircraft and helicopters were damaged. Rostov Oblast Governor Yuri Slyusar stated that air defense systems intercepted more than 50 drones, and a power substation was damaged. Concurrently, Ukrainian drones struck the oil refinery in Yaroslavl, hundreds of kilometers from the Ukrainian border. That same night, Russia launched a widespread aerial attack against Ukraine with nearly 160 drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles, causing injuries to more than 20 people and damage to infrastructure.