Huge explosion as Russia accuses Ukraine of striking fuel depot in Belgorod

The Ukrainian army has reportedly conducted its first major air strike in Russian territory, which if true would mark a significant escalation of the war since it broke out in February.

Two of its military helicopters hit a fuel depot in the Russian city of Belgorod, a Russian official said.

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.

The helicopters struck the facility after crossing the border at low altitude, regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on messaging app Telegram.