Drone attack on Putin's favored Sochi resort sparks oil depot fire

Sochi, a favored resort of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was hit by a massive drone attack overnight, causing a fire at a Lukoil oil depot and potentially striking an air defense unit. The attack reportedly involved multiple impacts in the Krasnodar region city. Explosions were heard from around 12:30 AM until at least 5:00 AM, with residents warned of the drone threat. Telegram channels report a possible strike on a Russian air defense division near Sochi, with a fire breaking out near the Sirius settlement close to the Abkhazia border, where analysts say an S-300 or S-400 system is located. Sochi serves as a key military and logistics hub on the Black Sea, with port infrastructure and an airport supporting Russian forces. Putin has largely avoided his Sochi residence since Ukrainian drones began reaching the city, with his last official visit occurring in autumn 2025.