Ukrainian forces have allegedly blown up a fuel depot on the Russian side of the border in what is being called a daring “cross border” attack. Two military helicopters destroyed a fuel depot in the city of Belgorod, which is located roughly 40 miles north of the border with Ukraine.
The attack was purportedly carried out by two Ukrainian helicopters that crossed into Ukrainian territory. Videos circulating online purported to show Ukrainian Air Force Mi-24 helicopters flying low over Belgorod just before the strike.
Regardless, this attack is going to heighten tensions and create more hostility between the two countries. The United Nations said on Friday that its relief convoys had failed to reach Mariupol, the southern port city devastated by weeks of shelling after Russia said it had opened up a “humanitarian corridor” to allow the evacuation of civilians.
According to a report by ZeroHedge, video images of the purported attack posted online showed what looked like several missiles being fired from low altitude, followed by an explosion. Reuters has not yet been able to verify the images.
While Russian authorities have confirmed the attack, some Ukrainian defense analysts insisted that the strike may have been a “false flag” planned by Moscow to further turn the tide of public opinion in favor of the war (although at least one recently released independent poll showed that the majority of Russians have rallied around the flag in support of the war, per the NYT).
Ukrainian officials have yet to confirm or deny the attack.
The Russian defense ministry has not commented about the attack either.
Mainstream media seems to be claiming this is a “false flag” attack done by Russia to justify a further escalation of the war. With little evidence other than videos of the fuel depot burning, it’s tough to say what really happened and who is responsible. Be ready for at any point, a major escalation that would fling this planet into world war 3.