Journalism of Courage
Ukrainian drones struck one of Russia’s biggest oil refineries overnight, sparking a fire, Russian officials and Ukraine’s military said on Sunday.
The attack targeted the Kirishi refinery in the Leningrad region, which processes about 17.7 million metric tonnes of crude oil a year, or around 355,000 barrels a day. The plant is run by the Russian oil company Surgutneftegas and is among the top three in the country by production.
Ukraine’s General Staff said explosions and a fire were reported at the site.
Leningrad regional governor Alexander Drozdenko said three drones were brought down in the Kirishi area and falling debris set off the fire. “No one was injured, and the blaze was put out,” he said in comments carried by Associated Press (AP).
The Russian Defence Ministry said at least 80 Ukrainian drones were destroyed overnight across Russia, occupied Crimea and the Sea of Azov. Officials did not comment directly on the scale of the damage at Kirishi.
The strike comes as Russia faces fuel shortages. Gas stations in some areas have run out, leaving long queues of motorists. To manage supplies, Moscow last week suspended petrol exports, with a full ban in place until 30 September and partial restrictions lasting until 31 October.
Russia is the world’s second largest oil exporter, but drone attacks in recent weeks have disrupted output and contributed to shortages, according to AP.
Meanwhile, a diesel locomotive derailed overnight in the Leningrad region. Governor Drozdenko said the driver was trapped in his cabin and died later in hospital. He added that investigators would examine whether the incident was an act of sabotage.
In another case, a device exploded on railway tracks in the Oryol region, about 200 kilometres from the Ukrainian border. Governor Andrey Klychkov said three people were killed while inspecting the track, including a National Guard member. The cause of the blast has not yet been confirmed by Russian officials.
