Ukrainian drones have again hit the heart of Russia’s fuel logistics. On the night of 24-25 June 2026, a fuel distribution base in Poltavskaya caught fire in the Krasnodar region. This is already the third attack on the same facility within a month. The fire engulfed several tanks, and residents of the region are once again feeling the effects of the deepening fuel crisis.
Why is Poltavskaya so important?
This base is not an ordinary warehouse. The „Poltavskaya Fuel Base” stores and distributes petrol, diesel and other petroleum products to filling stations in the Krasnodar Krai and the Republic of Adygea. The facility has 28 tanks with a combined capacity of nearly 15 thousand cubic metres. It supplies fuel to civilians and, crucially, supports military logistics in southern Russia.
Russian authorities traditionally explain such fires as being caused by „falling debris from shot-down drones”. Meanwhile, photos and videos from the area show burning tanks and thick smoke – the classic picture of an effective strike.
Third time in a short period
- First attack (16 June) – fire blamed on „falling debris”.
- Further strikes – including on 25 June, when at least three tanks caught fire.
- The effect? The region is struggling with fuel shortages at filling stations, and Russia has to look for workarounds and imports to make up the shortfall.
This is not an isolated incident but systematic pressure on Russia’s rear. Ukraine consistently targets refineries, bases and terminals that feed the war machine.
How is Russia responding?
Despite assurances of „no casualties” and a swift firefighting response, the blazes are proving difficult to extinguish. Krasnodar lies relatively close to the front (about 300-400 km), which makes it easier for drones to reach the target. Russia is reinforcing its air defences, but drones still get through the systems.
What next?
Attacks on fuel infrastructure show how the war is evolving. Ukraine does not need to destroy everything at once – it is enough to regularly make life difficult and raise the costs of conducting operations. Each such fire means not only smoke over Krasnodar, but also a real blow to the Russian economy and logistics.
