An unmanned aerial vehicle, described by the Telegram channel Shot as a drone, reportedly attempted an attack on the Gubkin oil depot in the Belgorod region. The incident, first reported during the early hours of February 15, drew attention from regional authorities and media outlets covering security developments near the Russian border with Ukraine.
According to journalists, an aircraft-type drone crossed into Russian airspace around midnight. Subsequent findings indicated fragments of the device were recovered on the premises of JSC Belgorodnefteproduct, situated in the village of Dolgoye. The sequence of events suggests the drone was detected and acted upon promptly by local security measures. A local assessment notes the device was neutralized on impact, with no broader disruption reported at the depot or to nearby infrastructure. Authorities emphasized that no injuries had occurred among residents, and no damage was confirmed at the facility at that time. This detail was reported by Shot and later echoed by other regional observers. [citation: Shot Telegram channel; corroborating local sources]
In the wake of the incident, the regional governor in Kursk, Roman Starovoit, indicated that Ukrainian UAV activity had targeted a facility within the Kursk region, triggering a fire during the attack. Officials stressed that the situation remained under control and that the affected oil facility was assessed to ensure safety and continuity of operations. Emergency crews and on-site teams were dispatched to verify the integrity of the infrastructure and to manage any residual risks. No casualties were reported, and the governor urged residents to stay calm while authorities conducted follow-up checks. [citation: Kursk regional government statements]
Another line of reporting noted that three Ukrainian aerial incursions had previously occurred near Energodar, the city hosting the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. This broader context highlighted ongoing regional tensions and the heightened interest from observers in assessing the implications for critical energy infrastructure in the area. Officials underscored that rapid response measures were in place and that monitoring would continue as part of routine security operations. [citation: regional security briefings]
As the situation evolved, investigators and emergency services coordinated to document the incident, confirm the status of facilities, and communicate with the public to prevent misinformation. Analysts emphasizing energy security in border regions noted how such events can influence regional risk assessments and emergency preparedness plans across Russia and neighboring countries. The overall message from authorities remained one of vigilance mixed with reassurance that essential energy assets were being safeguarded and that residents should rely on official updates for any new developments. [citation: regional security and energy experts]