Ukraine deployed drones to attack a Liberian-flagged oil tanker off the coast of Russia's Sochi, causing a severe fire and large plumes of black smoke. Meanwhile, all 23 Indian crew members were safely rescued. Russia responded strongly by launching over 50 missiles and more than 130 drones targeting multiple Ukrainian regions, including Kyiv, resulting in at least 11 deaths.
Ukraine attacked an oil tanker off Russia's southern coast on Tuesday evening (6 Oct), causing a large fire at sea and thick black smoke covering parts of Sochi, a key resort city on Russia's Black Sea coast.
Russia's Ministry of Transport stated that the Liberian-flagged oil tanker was attacked by maritime drones, causing a severe crude oil fire in the Black Sea. Firefighters could not immediately control the blaze due to its intensity. However, all 23 crew members, who are Indian nationals, were safely rescued and evacuated from the ship.
Photos and videos from Sochi shared on social media showed bright orange flames burning at sea with large black smoke plumes rising into the sky. The mayor of Sochi announced restrictions on access to coastal areas and beaches to ensure public safety.
This attack occurred amid ongoing strikes by Russia and Ukraine targeting commercial and energy infrastructure in the Black Sea region since the war began in 2022.
In recent days, Russia attacked Ukrainian grain transport ships near Romania's coast, an EU member. Ukraine stated that its attacks on Russian oil infrastructure are legitimate responses to near-nightly Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian cities.
Previously, Ukraine's attacks on oil facilities in southern Russia caused oil spills in the sea, leading to beach closures and reports of toxic black rain in some areas.
Meanwhile, Russia has intensified daytime drone attacks on Kyiv, targeting key bridges and the city center, increasing pressure on civilians and causing traffic paralysis at times.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that Russia's attacks on 7 Oct caused at least 11 deaths nationwide, including five from a missile strike on a five-story residential building in Pryluky, Chernihiv region, northern Ukraine.
Rescue teams continue searching for survivors trapped under debris. Zelensky warned that some may still be trapped and that rescuers are striving to find everyone who might be alive. Additionally, two people died from missile strikes on high-rise buildings in Dnipro and Kremenchuk in central Ukraine, two more died in Oleksandriia, and two died in Kyiv.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko stated that the two deaths in the capital resulted from a fire in the densely populated Darnytskyi district.
Earlier, Zelensky said Russia is preparing a major attack, especially targeting energy infrastructure. He later described the latest strikes as among the worst since the war began.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched at least 50 missiles and 130 drones in nighttime attacks across several regions, including Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Poltava.
The Ukrainian military intercepted some missiles and drones, reportedly shooting down 5 ballistic missiles, 39 cruise missiles, and over 100 drones. However, Zelensky noted that ballistic missiles remain the most difficult threat to counter and urgently called for additional air defense systems.
Kyiv has faced increasing attacks in recent weeks as winter approaches, with air raid sirens sounding nearly continuously to warn citizens of Russian strikes.
Many people have sought shelter in subway stations overnight, bringing bags, sleeping mats, and blankets with them following air raid alerts.
The new attacks also caused planned power outages in parts of Kyiv to reduce strain on the electricity system damaged by ongoing strikes. The sound of generators on city streets reminded residents of last winter when Russian attacks widely disrupted Ukraine's power and heating systems.
Zelensky urged citizens to closely monitor air raid alerts, stating intelligence has received recent information about Russia preparing a large-scale attack. Military analysts expect Russia may use a combined strike involving cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and high-speed jet-engine drones.
Zelensky said the Ukrainian military is prepared to respond as best as the defense systems allow, while civilians continue to endure the fear of ongoing air attacks.