Ukrainian forces reportedly strike Russia’s second-largest oil refinery in overnight drone attack

Ukrainian drones reportedly struck the Kirishi oil refinery in Russia’s Leningrad Oblast overnight on 9 November, causing explosions and fires. The facility is a major supplier of refined oil and fuel, including products used by Russia’s armed forces, so damage could affect an important part of the country’s energy infrastructure.

Ukrainian monitoring channels reported the attack, while NASA satellite data detected several hotspots at the site. Regional governor Aleksandr Drozdenko said 113 Ukrainian drones were shot down over the region. The refinery can process 20 million tonnes of oil a year and produces more than 6% of Russia’s refined oil; it was also targeted in August and temporarily halted processing in May after damage to three of its four crude distillation units.