Explosion of Two Fuel Tanks at Russian Military Facility; 100 Personnel Engaged in Firefighting

Following conflicting reports about the cause of the explosion of two fuel tanks at an aerospace facility in the Voronezh region of Russia, the governor of the region announced on Saturday, July 3, that local forces are working to extinguish the fire at the fuel tanks at the oil terminal. Alexander Gusev wrote in a Telegram message that over a hundred firefighters are using equipment to combat the blaze. This local Russian official stated that the expansion of the tanks was the cause of the explosion of the two tanks, each containing 5 tons of aerospace fuel. The governor of the Voronezh region later announced that only one of these tanks had been damaged. Meanwhile, Reuters reported, citing a source, that the explosion occurred following the flight of a helicopter near a residential area in the city. By matching building features and roads with satellite images, Reuters identified the location of the explosion as the city of Voronezh. Previously, Reuters had reported, citing an unnamed Russian security source, that Wagner forces had managed to take control of the military facilities in the city of Voronezh, located 500 kilometers south of Moscow. Reuters emphasized that it could not independently verify this news. The commander of Wagner stated, 'We are heading to Moscow; Russia is drowning in corruption and deception.' The Wagner group claimed to have control of Rostov; Putin gave a speech. Iranian users welcomed the 'battle of the beasts of Wagner with the thugs of Putin's army.' What do we know about the Wagner group? The most serious challenge to Putin's long-standing regime. Global reactions to the crisis in Russia; Zelensky: 'Anyone who chooses evil will destroy themselves.'