Ukraine launched an overnight strike on Saratov oil refinery in southwestern Russia on Tuesday, causing fire and explosions. The attack comes amid intensified strikes on Russian oil industry that is a major source of revenue helping Kremlin to fuel its full-fledge invasion of Ukraine.
The strike was carried out by units of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine jointly with other components of the Defence Forces, the Ukrainian military reported, stressing that the results of the operation are being clarified.
The refinery that lies around 600 kilometers from the Ukrainian front line, has been repeatedly targeted by Ukrainian troops, including on August 10. The refinery specialises in the production of petrol, diesel fuel, bitumen, among others and produces more than 20 types of petroleum products. Its processing volume amounted to 4.8 million tonnes in 2023. The facility is used to meet the needs of the Russian Armed Forces, according to Ukrainian media reports.
Saratov Governor Roman Busargin said the emergency service were on full alert due to a potential drone attack, without providing any further updates. Meanwhile, the Russian Defence Ministry reported that its air defence forces downed 87 Ukrainian drones, including 18 over Saratov region overnight.
The attack on Saratov oil refinery followed another strike on Kirishi oil refinery in Russia’s Leningrad region on Monday. The drone attack forced the suspension of one of the facilities’ units that account for 40 percent of the plant's total refining capacity that account for 400,000 barrels a day.
Ukraine’s intensified attacks on oil facilities have triggered fuel shortage and hike in oil prices across Russia. According to the White House report of last month, Ukrainian drone strikes disabled 20% of Russia's oil refining capacity in August.
