Ukrainian drones targeted a significant Russian oil refinery overnight, causing a fire, as confirmed by Russian authorities and Ukraine’s military. The attack on the Kirishi refinery, located in the northwestern Leningrad region of Russia, comes after a series of Ukrainian assaults on Russian oil facilities that Kyiv alleges support Moscow’s military actions. The refinery, managed by the prominent Russian oil and gas company Surgutneftegas, has an annual production capacity of nearly 17.7 million tonnes (equivalent to 355,000 barrels per day) of crude oil, positioning it among Russia’s top three facilities in terms of output.
With more than three years having passed since Russia’s extensive invasion of Ukraine, drones have emerged as a crucial weapon for both sides. Recent incidents saw multiple Russian drones breaching Polish airspace, leading to NATO dispatching fighter jets to intercept and destroy them, underscoring persistent fears of the conflict spilling over Ukraine’s borders.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces’ General Staff reported explosions and a fire at the Kirishi refinery, sharing a photo depicting flames and smoke against the night sky. Regional Governor Alexander Drozdenko mentioned that three drones were downed in the Kirishi vicinity overnight, resulting in debris causing a fire at the facility. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and the fire was promptly extinguished.
Russian officials have yet to provide a formal statement regarding the repercussions of the strike. The Russian Defence Ministry indicated that at least 80 Ukrainian drones were downed overnight in various regions, including Russia, occupied Crimea, and the adjacent Sea of Azov.
Despite being the world’s second-largest oil exporter, Russia has faced gasoline shortages in recent weeks due to a surge in seasonal demand and sustained Ukrainian drone attacks. This scarcity has led to gas stations running out of fuel in some areas, prompting long queues and authorities resorting to rationing or halting sales altogether. In response to the shortage, Russia has halted gasoline exports, imposing a complete ban until September 30 and a partial ban affecting traders and intermediaries until October 31.
In a bid to tackle the ongoing oil export challenges, U.S. President Donald Trump urged NATO countries to cease purchasing Russian oil and impose substantial tariffs on China for its acquisition of Russian petroleum. Following Trump’s call, China responded by affirming its non-involvement in wars or conspiracies.
In a separate incident in the Leningrad region, a diesel locomotive derailed overnight, resulting in the death of the driver while being transported to a hospital for treatment. Local authorities, including Governor Andrey Klychkov, reported a bomb explosion along railway tracks in Russia’s Oryol region that claimed three lives, with one victim identified as a member of Russia’s National Guard.
These events in the Leningrad region and Oryol region have raised concerns and garnered attention amidst the escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia.