Ukrainian Drones Strike Major Russian Oil Refinery, Sparking Fire
Kirishi, Russia – A Ukrainian drone strike ignited a fire at the Kirishi oil refinery in Russia’s Leningrad region overnight Sunday, according to both Russian officials and Ukraine‘s military. The facility, operated by Surgutneftegas, is one of Russia’s three largest, processing approximately 355,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian oil infrastructure in recent weeks, asserting these strikes are aimed at disrupting the fuel supply supporting Russia’s war effort. The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported explosions and posted imagery appearing to show a blaze and smoke at the Kirishi refinery.
Regional Governor Alexander Drozdenko stated that three drones were intercepted over the Kirishi area, and falling debris caused the fire, which has since been extinguished. He confirmed no injuries resulted from the incident. The Russian Defence Ministry reported downing at least 80 Ukrainian drones overnight across Russia, Crimea, and the Sea of Azov.
This is not the first time the Kirishi refinery has been targeted; Ukrainian drones struck the facility in March, causing minor damage according to earlier social media posts from Drozdenko.
The attacks come as Russia, the world’s second-largest oil exporter, faces growing domestic gasoline shortages. Increased seasonal demand coupled with the ongoing drone strikes have lead to gas stations running dry and rationing measures in some regions. In response, Russia has implemented a full ban on gasoline exports until september 30th and a partial ban affecting traders until October 31st.
In a separate incident Sunday in the leningrad region, a diesel locomotive derailed near Gatchina, south of St.Petersburg, according to Governor Drozdenko.
