Ukrainian troops launched a drone attack on Russia’s major Saratov oil refinery on Saturday for the second time in a week as Kyiv continues deep strikes on Russian soil.
The attack was followed by large-scale explosion and fires, triggering air raid sirens. The regional governor Roman Busargin confirmed an attack by UAVs. Located 600km from the Ukrainian frontline, Saratov refinery accounts for approximately 2.54% of Russia’s total oil processing capacity with over 7 million tonnes of crude annually. The attack on the refinery was carried out with Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, in coordination with other Defense Forces components and under the General Staff's overall command.
On the same day, Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces also hit the Novokuybyshevsk Oil Refinery in Russia’s Samara region. The refinery produced over 8.8 million tonnes of crude oil annually.
Ukraine has scaled up attacks on Russian energy infrastructure in recent months in an attempt to undermine Russia’s war efforts.
Earlier on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukraine’s drone strikes on Russia’s oil facilities, including Druzbha refinery and pipeline have already had an impact on Russia, adding that Ukrainian drones have proven their effectiveness. Zelenskiy said domestic drone and long-range missile production would be increased.
