A Russian gas pumping and measuring station in the Kursk region, near the Ukrainian border, erupted in flames on Friday morning following a significant explosion.
The Sudzha facility, previously used by Gazprom to export gas to Europe via Ukraine, was situated in an area retaken by Russian forces this week after intense combat with Ukrainian troops who had held it since the previous year.
Social media footage captured the fire, and its location was confirmed through identifiable landmarks.
Some Russian media outlets accused the Ukrainian military of targeting the facility. However, the Ukrainian military denied any involvement, asserting that Russian forces shelled it with artillery as part of a "provocation."
Both Russia and Ukraine have pledged to avoid attacks on each other's energy infrastructure following discussions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Putin, however, dismissed a proposal for a full 30-day ceasefire.
Russia claims it is adhering to the agreement to refrain from striking energy targets and has accused Kyiv of breaching it. Ukraine contends that Russia has also targeted its energy facilities and will uphold the agreement once a formal document is signed.
On the same day, an explosion occurred at an oil depot in Russia's Krasnodar region, where firefighters were attempting to extinguish a blaze ignited by a Ukrainian drone attack shortly after Putin's conversation with Trump.
During the firefighting efforts, a depressurization of a burning tank resulted in an explosion involving oil products, according to Russian regional authorities on Telegram.
The fire subsequently spread to another tank, increasing the affected area to 10,000 square meters (108,000 square feet)—more than double the original blaze's size. Over 450 firefighters were deployed to manage the situation, and two sustained injuries.
Interfax reported that regional authorities detected elevated levels of harmful chemicals, including benzene, in atmospheric tests at two nearby locations.
The depot, located near the village of Kavkazskaya, serves as a rail terminal for Russian oil supplies to a pipeline connecting Kazakhstan to the Black Sea.
Throughout the conflict, Russia has consistently targeted Ukraine's energy grid, leading to frequent blackouts affecting both civilians and industries. Russia defends these actions by claiming that civilian infrastructure supports Ukraine's war effort.
Recently, Kyiv has begun targeting Russian oil and gas facilities, asserting that these are vital for fueling Moscow's invasion and financing its military operations.
On Thursday, Russia's foreign ministry accused Ukraine of violating the proposed non-aggression agreement by striking the depot.