Overnight on October 4, a drone attack ignited a fire at an oil refinery in Kirishi, Russia, which was confirmed by regional officials. Local reports and photos indicated an explosion and flames at the facility, identified by sources as one of Russia’s largest, opened in 2017. This marks at least the fourth time the refinery has been targeted, with previous attacks attributed to Ukraine, although there has been no immediate comment on this instance. Ukrainian forces have increasingly targeted Russia’s oil industry, viewing refineries as legitimate military targets supporting the ongoing conflict.
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On October 3rd, Ukrainian drones targeted the Orsknefteorgsintez oil refinery in Russia’s Orenburg Oblast, a facility located approximately 1,400 kilometers from Ukraine-controlled territory. Regional authorities confirmed the attack, although disputed claims of operational disruption. The refinery, a major part of Russia’s energy network, produces a variety of fuel products. The SBU source stated that the attacks, which have intensified recently, are intended to damage the Russian economy and its war capabilities; a significant portion of Russia’s oil refining capacity is currently out of operation.
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A coordinated Ukrainian Navy and SBU operation struck the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Russia’s Rostov Oblast on December 19th, utilizing drones and missiles. The refinery, crucial to the region’s fuel production, suffered significant damage and fire, impacting its catalytic cracking unit. Russian authorities confirmed explosions and a fire, while Ukrainian sources claimed the attack disrupted a significant portion of the refinery’s output. This attack follows previous Ukrainian strikes targeting the same facility and other Russian oil infrastructure.
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John Q. Hosedrinker