Krasnodar, Russia – In a series of attacks on oil refineries in Russia, Ukrainian drones allegedly targeted the Slavyansk oil refinery in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region. These assaults come in the midst of escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with Kyiv intensifying its attacks on key Russian infrastructure, including oil facilities.
The incident at the Slavyansk oil refinery occurred in the early hours of the morning, with local authorities reporting multiple drones striking the facility. A fire broke out as one of the drones plummeted to the ground, causing damage to the refinery. This attack marks the latest in a string of strikes on Russian oil refineries, with the Krasnodar facility being the sixth target in the past week, according to reports.
The attacks on Russian oil refineries are believed to be aimed at disrupting Russia’s oil production and hindering its ability to wage war in Ukraine. These assaults coincide with presidential elections in Russia, which are expected to ensure Vladimir Putin’s continued grip on power for another six years. However, the international community has raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of the elections.
Ukrainian military intelligence spokesperson Andriy Yusov stated that each drone strike on Russian facilities has disrupted the supply of fuels and lubricants to occupying forces in Ukraine. This tactic demonstrates Ukraine’s commitment to targeting strategic Russian assets as part of its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Local officials in Krasnodar confirmed that the fire at the Slavyansk oil refinery had been extinguished, but tragically, one person died of a heart attack during the drone strike. Reports from Kyiv’s security services and armed forces indicate their involvement in the attack on the Krasnodar plant, further escalating tensions between the two neighboring countries.
Russian defenses intercepted 17 Ukrainian drones over the Krasnodar region on the same night as the attack on the oil refinery. This incident follows similar drone strikes on oil refineries in Russia’s Samara, Kaluga, Ryazan, Nizhny Novgorod, and Leningrad regions in recent days, heightening concerns about the escalating conflict between Ukraine and Russia.