Russia has accused Ukraine of violating a proposed 30-day ceasefire on energy infrastructure after a Ukrainian drone strike ignited a massive fire at an oil depot in southern Russia.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated on Thursday that the attack undermined the truce, which was brokered by the United States and agreed upon by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a call with U.S. President Donald Trump. However, she insisted it was now up to Washington to rein in Kyiv.
“How is Washington going to handle this terrorist scum gone mad? How are they going to put them in their place and get them on the right track?” Zakharova questioned.
Regional authorities in Russia confirmed that firefighters were still battling the blaze at the oil depot near the village of Kavkazskaya, a key terminal for Russian oil supplies linked to the Black Sea. The fire reportedly spanned 3,750 square meters (40,400 square feet), with over 400 firefighters and 174 pieces of equipment deployed to contain it.
Ukraine, however, has countered Russia’s accusations, alleging that Moscow has continued its own attacks on civilian infrastructure despite agreeing to the ceasefire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that recent Russian strikes on hospitals and railway infrastructure prove that Putin’s commitments do not align with his actions.
Zakharova described Ukraine’s strike on the oil facility as a “provocation” and an attempt to derail peace efforts. Meanwhile, the U.S.-mediated truce remains fragile as both sides accuse each other of non-compliance.
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