Russian Orthodox clergymen were pictured sprinkling holy water on fire trucks as they visited the scene of a massive fire at a fuel depot in Rostov region, which continues to burn three days after being set alight in a Ukrainian drone attack.
More than 500 firefighters have been battling the blaze at the Proletarsk oil storage facility, with about 20 of the 74 storage tanks on fire, according to local authorities.
Local Orthodox priests offered prayers next to the fire engines and brought an icon to the scene in support of the firefighters’ efforts. They blessed all the fire equipment and brought a large icon of the Unburnt Bush, believed to be a talisman against fire.
The fire was caused when air defenses shot down a Ukrainian drone on August 18, leading to diesel fuel igniting on the facility’s premises, as reported by regional governor Vasily Golubev.
Despite the state of emergency declared by authorities, the local city administration assured residents that there was no immediate threat to residential areas and urged people not to panic.
In a related development, Ukrainian forces reported striking an S-300 air defense system near the Russian city of Novoshakhtinsk in Rostov region. The strike was part of Ukraine’s efforts to counter Russia’s invasion, which began in February 2022.
Meanwhile, Moscow reported shooting down 11 Ukrainian drones targeting the city, marking one of the biggest attacks on the Russian capital since the conflict began. Ukrainian defenses, on the other hand, reported stopping 50 Russian drones and missiles.
As the conflict continues, Ukraine maintains control over a portion of Russia’s Kursk region following its incursion on August 6. Russian forces, in turn, are advancing towards the city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine.
