Massive fires broke out after Ukraine reportedly launched drone attacks on Russian oil refineries after ignoring pleas from the U.S. and other allies to halt the strikes over fears that global oil prices will rise.
The drones struck two Rosneft-owned oil depots in Russia's Smolensk region, Reuters reported citing an unnamed intelligence source.
"The SBU (Security Service of Ukraine) continues to effectively destroy military infrastructure and logistics that provide fuel to the Russian army in Ukraine," the source said. "These facilities are and will remain our absolutely legitimate targets."
Vasily Anokhin, governor of the Smolensk region, said on Telegram there were no reported injuries, the Voice of America reported.
Russia's defense ministry said it shot down a drone over Smolensk and two drones over Voronezh.
Moscow has been launching systematic attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure over the past several months.
President Biden signed a $95 billion foreign aid bill on Wednesday that will send billions of crucial aid to Ukraine for its fight against Russia.
"It's a good day for America, it's a good day for Europe, and it's a good day for world peace," Biden said from the White House on Wednesday.
He said the initial shipments of weapons to Ukraine would begin "within hours."
