The Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Russia’s Rostov region has halted operations following Ukrainian drone strikes, according to Andrii Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation.
Kovalenko confirmed on Telegram that the refinery, which has already been struggling due to repeated attacks, has now sustained equipment damage, further limiting its operations.
In 2024, the refinery processed only 3 million tons of oil, far below its 7.5-million-ton capacity, as multiple strikes continued to disrupt production.
Ukraine has repeatedly targeted the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, with confirmed drone attacks occurring on March 13, June 6, and December 19, 2024.
The facility was the only operational refinery in the Rostov region.
Beyond the Rostov region, Ukraine has also intensified strikes on other Russian energy and military infrastructure.
On January 29, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) and Special Operations Forces launched a drone strike on the Andreapol oil pumping station and a missile arsenal in Russia’s Tver region, triggering 20 explosions.
By repeatedly targeting key oil facilities and military depots, Ukraine is not only disrupting Russian fuel supplies but also applying economic and logistical pressure on Russia’s war effort.
