Ukrainian drones struck one of Russia’s largest oil refineries in the Leningrad region overnight on Sunday, sparking explosions and a fire at the facility.
Ukraine’s General Staff said the attack was carried out by Special Operations Forces and the Unmanned Systems Forces against the Kirishi refinery, also known as Kirishinefteorgsintez (KINEF). The plant is among Russia’s two largest oil refineries by output, along with the Ryazan facility.
“Explosions and a fire were recorded at the refinery. Assessment of the damage is ongoing,” the service said on Telegram.
An overnight Ukrainian drone strike hit Russia’s second largest oil refinery, Kinef, in Kirishi, Leningrad region. Carried out by Ukraine’s 14th Unmanned System Forces Regiment, the strike targeted a crude oil distillation unit. Kinef processes over 20 million tons annually and… pic.twitter.com/HlRl70cUh6
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Regional Governor Alexander Drozdenko said three drones were shot down overnight in the Kirishi area, with falling debris igniting a fire at the facility. He added that no one was injured and the fire was later extinguished.
The Kirishi refinery processes over 20 million tons of crude each year, producing some 80 petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel.
Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russia’s oil infrastructure, calling it critical to Moscow’s war effort. Earlier this week, Ukrainian drones hit the Novo-Ufa refinery in Bashkortostan and Primorsk, Russia’s largest Baltic oil port.
The recent attack came as President Donald Trump pressed NATO members to stop buying Russian oil. In a Truth Social post Saturday, he said imports should end as part of efforts to conclude the war in Ukraine.
He added that he was “ready to do major sanctions on Russia” if all NATO members agreed, criticizing the alliance’s commitment as “far less than 100%” and described continued oil purchases by some members as “shocking.”
Turkey, Hungary and Slovakia remain among the largest NATO buyers of Russian crude.
