Ukraine Claims Strikes on Russian Oil Refineries in Saratov and Novokouibyvsk,Intensifying Economic Pressure
Saratov & Samara Oblast,Russia – UkraineS armed forces announced Saturday they successfully struck two key Russian oil refineries – in Saratov and Novokouibyvsk (Samara Oblast) – in overnight attacks,escalating Kyiv’s campaign to disrupt Russia’s war effort by targeting it’s energy infrastructure.
According to a statement released by the Ukrainian General Staff via Facebook, both facilities play a critical role in supplying fuel to the Russian military. ”All the facilities concerned participate in the supply of the Russian armed forces,” the statement read.
Reports from Saratov indicate significant damage. the Ukrainian military confirmed “explosions and large-scale fires” in the target area,with videos circulating on Telegram appearing to show a drone impacting the refinery and triggering a significant explosion. Russian Telegram channels have also shared footage of the resulting blaze visible from within the city.
while Governor Roman Boussarguin of the Saratov Oblast acknowledged damage to a residential building in the city caused by Ukrainian drones, resulting in one injury, he did not directly address the reported attack on the refinery itself.
The Saratov refinery,located approximately 600 kilometers east of the active front line in Ukraine,processed 4.8 million metric tonnes of crude oil in 2023 and produces over 20 petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel, and bitumen.This marks the second time this week the facility has been targeted by Ukrainian forces.
