A drone strike on the Syzran Oil Refinery in Russia’s Samara region triggered a major fire overnight, marking another blow to Moscow’s energy infrastructure.
According to Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, the facility — capable of processing 8.9 million tons of crude oil per year—was hit by explosive drones, leading to a temporary shutdown.
“The Syzran Oil Refinery plays a critical role in fueling Russia’s military operations,” Kovalenko stated on Telegram. “Facilities of this scale are integral to Russia’s war logistics, supplying fuel for its army.”
The first signs of the attack surfaced around 2:45 AM, as Syzran residents reported hearing three loud explosions. Videos soon emerged online, showing a raging fire at the refinery.
Later, Samara Governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev confirmed the attack, blaming Ukraine’s military and stating that emergency services were deployed.
However, Russia’s Ministry of Defense made no mention of any intercepted drones in the area.
Russian media outlet ASTRA reported that the attack caused damage to the AVT-6 primary refining unit, leading to a 30-square-meter fire. Sources claim operations at the refinery were temporarily suspended as a result.
Located 700 kilometers from Ukraine, the Syzran Oil Refinery is owned by Rosneft and has been in operation since 1942. It refines gasoline, diesel, aviation fuel, and bitumen, making it a key energy hub for Russia’s military efforts.
This strike follows a recent attack on the Il’sk Oil Refinery in Krasnodar Krai, signaling a continued Ukrainian focus on disrupting Russia’s energy and fuel supply.
