Late Friday night, a drone strike allegedly launched by Ukraine targeted an oil refinery in Russia's Saratov region, sparking a significant fire, according to media reports.
According to the Moscow Times, Ukrainian military intelligence has claimed responsibility for the attack, which targeted the Zavodsky district.
Saratov region Governor Roman Busargin confirmed that “a drone was eliminated over the territory of Saratov overnight” and noted that debris fell in an industrial zone.
While he did not specify the exact location, reports from the Saratov 24 local broadcaster indicated that the debris struck a fuel storage tank.
Residents and local media sources claimed the impact caused a fire at a Rosneft oil refinery in the Zavodsky area.
The facility has a processing capacity of 7.2 million metric tons and produces various petroleum products, including gasoline and diesel.
Emergency services quickly responded to the scene, and no casualties have been reported, Busargin added.
The Saratov region, positioned about 500 kilometers (310 miles) from the Ukrainian border, has seen limited direct action in the conflict until recent escalations.
Russia's Defense Ministry reported that it intercepted six of 17 drones allegedly launched by Ukraine toward Saratov.
The frequency of strikes on energy infrastructure on both sides has decreased recently, following a period of intensified cross-border attacks earlier this year.
