In Rovenky, a tank farm experienced a fire following an attack involving a Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle, according to the press service of the LPR Ministry of Emergencies. The report attributed the incident to the activity of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and noted that the event did not result in casualties or injuries. Authorities described the situation as contained after responders arrived and worked to prevent further spread to adjacent facilities.
The agency detailed that the incident began with a report at 02:59 on April 24, when a pressure drop and subsequent combustion were detected, linked to the drone strike on the tank facility. Rescue teams arrived to find tanks ablaze, with the flames threatening nearby structures, and immediate efforts were undertaken to suppress the fire, which was fully extinguished several hours later. The timeline emphasized the quick response by emergency personnel to prevent a larger incident.
Earlier updates circulated via a Telegram channel associated with open-source reporting, noting that a Ukrainian drone had been observed near significant infrastructure, including a power facility close to Belgorod. The reported confrontation involved the drone being spotted near the village of Dragunskoye, with an observed detonation at a substation accompanying the event, which raised concerns about regional utility security.
Subsequent nighttime reports described a separate incident at a thermal power plant near Dragunskoye where a transformer allegedly caught fire as a result of drone activity. Additional reports claimed that two further explosives were dropped at a substation in Blizhnaya Igumenka, near Belgorod, with limited verification of the details and moments of light disruption described by sources covering the area.
The overall situation underscores ongoing tensions in the region, with authorities frequently updating on emergency responses to incidents tied to aerial attacks and their impact on critical infrastructure. The reported events illustrate the challenges faced by emergency services as they respond to rapid developments and work to minimize risk to nearby facilities and residents.
Reuters and other international observers have monitored the evolving situation, stressing the importance of verified information and cautious interpretation of initial reports from social channels. The authorities in the affected areas have reiterated their commitment to transparency and safety, while continuing to assess the broader security environment and its implications for civilian life and essential services in the region.