A significant fire broke out at the Afipsky Oil Refinery in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai on Thursday morning, following a drone strike carried out by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Dramatic footage circulating online shows large sections of the facility engulfed in flames, highlighting the scale of the damage caused by the attack.
Russian emergency services later confirmed that the fire—triggered by falling drone debris—had been successfully extinguished.
However, the full extent of the damage remains unclear. The refinery, along with the nearby Krasnodar refinery, processed a combined total of 7.2 million metric tons of crude oil in 2024, making it a strategic energy asset for Russia.
READ ALSO: NASA Plans Lunar Base and Nuclear Reactor by 2030 Amid Growing Space Race with China
The Russian Defence Ministry reported that nine Ukrainian drones were intercepted and destroyed by air defense systems overnight in the region.
Despite these defensive efforts, at least one drone appears to have breached the perimeter and struck the facility. The Ukrainian military has acknowledged responsibility for the strike but has not disclosed specific details regarding the operation or its objectives.
READ ALSO: Lebanese Army Kills Notorious Drug Dealers in Baalbek Drone Strike (VIDEO)
This latest incident adds to a growing pattern of Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Russian energy infrastructure. Over the past year, Ukraine has consistently aimed at oil refineries, gas export terminals, and key pumping stations—efforts widely seen as part of its broader strategy to disrupt Russia’s war economy and logistical capabilities.
In response to the disruption at domestic refineries, Russia is adjusting its export strategy. The country plans to increase crude oil shipments from its western ports to nearly two million barrels per day in August—an uptick of approximately 200,000 barrels per day from earlier estimates.
Be the first to know. Tap to join us on Telegram.
Discover more from Scoop Hub
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.