Massive Blaze Erupts as Ukraine and Russia Plan Prisoner Exchange

A Ukrainian drone attack ignited a massive fire at an oil depot near Sochi, Russia, overnight, local officials reported. The strike, which hit a fuel tank, prompted over 120 firefighters to battle the blaze, with videos showing thick smoke rising from the site. Russia’s aviation authority briefly halted flights at Sochi’s airport due to the incident.

In a separate attack, four people were injured in a Ukrainian drone strike in Russia’s Voronezh region. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed its air defenses downed 93 Ukrainian drones overnight across Russia and the Black Sea.

On the Ukrainian side, a Russian missile strike targeted a residential area in Mykolaiv, wounding seven. Ukraine’s air force reported Russia launched 76 drones and seven missiles, with 60 drones and one missile intercepted, though 16 drones and six missiles struck eight locations.

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The strikes follow a deadly Russian attack last Thursday, which killed 31, including five children, and injured over 150 in Ukraine. Amid escalating tensions, US President Donald Trump set an August 8 deadline for Russia to advance peace talks, threatening new sanctions. “They’re wily, good at dodging sanctions,” Trump remarked, noting his envoy Steve Witkoff may visit Russia soon.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a prisoner exchange agreement involving 1,200 individuals, with lists being finalized. “We’re working to unblock the return of our civilians,” Zelenskyy posted on X. The deal stems from July talks in Istanbul, though Russia has not yet commented. Despite three rounds of negotiations this year, no ceasefire has been reached.

Also Read: Russia Targets Ukrainian Military Facilities in Retaliatory Strikes