Ukrainian Drone Strike Ignites Fire at Russian Oil Refinery
NOVOKUIBYSHEVSK,russia – A Ukrainian drone strike sparked a blaze and damaged key refining units at the Novokuibyshevsk oil refinery in Russia‘s Samara region near Orenburg,ukrainian sources claimed Sunday. The facility, operated by Russian gas major Rosneft, has an annual capacity of 4.9 million tons and produces over 20 types of oil-based products.
The attack marks a notable escalation in Ukraine’s efforts to disrupt Russia’s energy infrastructure, aiming to hinder Moscow’s war effort by impacting its fuel supply and revenue streams. Ukraine has increasingly targeted oil facilities within Russia,employing drones to reach targets previously considered beyond its reach.
Russia’s Defense Ministry reported its air defense forces downed 45 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 12 over the Samara region, one over the Orenburg region, and 11 over the neighboring Saratov region. Russian authorities have not yet acknowledged the Ukrainian claim of damage to the Novokuibyshevsk refinery.
The Ukrainian General Staff reported that the drone strike hit the refinery, causing a fire. The extent of the damage remains unconfirmed.