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Ukraine Claims Successful Drone Strikes on Key Russian Oil Infrastructure
Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukrainian military officials announced overnight a series of drone strikes targeting critical oil processing and export infrastructure within Russia, signaling a broadening of Ukraine’s campaign to disrupt Moscow’s war effort.The Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff confirmed that unmanned systems, operating in conjunction with othre military units, successfully damaged the Saratov Oil Processing Plant.
According to the General Staff, the Saratov refinery processes over 7 million tonnes of oil annually, representing approximately 2.54% of Russia’s total oil refining capacity. Reports indicate notable explosions and a large-scale fire erupted at the facility following the attack, with the full extent of the damage still being assessed.
The strikes weren’t limited to Saratov. Ukrainian forces also targeted the Novokuibiševsk refinery in the Samara region,a facility processing more than 8.8 million tonnes of oil per year. Preliminary reports confirm explosions and fires at that location as well.
Beyond refining capacity, the attacks extended to a crucial component of Russia’s oil export network: the “samara” Line of Production and Dispatching Station (LPS). The General Staff stated that this station is vital for blending different grades of oil – both high and low sulfur - to create the “Urals” crude oil blend, which accounts for up to 50% of Russia’s total oil exports.
The Ukrainian military has not disclosed the type of drones used in the operation, nor has it commented on the distance traveled or the specific targeting methodology. The attacks represent a significant escalation in Ukraine’s ability to strike deep within Russian territory, possibly impacting Russia’s energy production and export capabilities, key sources of revenue for the ongoing conflict.
As of this reporting, Russian authorities have not officially commented on the extent of the damage or confirmed the Ukrainian claims. World Today News will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
