Drone attack leaves Russia's Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery burning for second day
Photo: In Novoshakhtinsk, Russia, an oil refinery has been burning for two days after a drone attack (Russian media)
In the Russian city of Novoshakhtinsk, Rostov region, a large-scale fire has been raging at the oil refinery for a second day. On the night of August 21, the facility was attacked by drones, according to ASTRA.
Videos published in Russian public channels show thick black smoke rising into the sky, visible for many kilometers.
What is known about the refinery
The Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery is the only operating oil refinery in the Rostov region. It is one of the largest suppliers of petroleum products in southern Russia and participates in supplying the Russian army with fuel and lubricants. The total volume of storage tanks at the facility exceeds 210,000 cubic meters.
Earlier, Russian media reported that the refinery was protected by two Pantsir air defense systems and one Tor system. However, they were unable to fully repel the attack, resulting in a massive fire at the facility that lasted several hours.
Confirmation from the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces
Yesterday, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed that the Novoshakhtinsk refinery was struck by drones on the night of August 21.
The statement said the attack was part of a comprehensive operation aimed at reducing the offensive potential of the enemy and complicating fuel supplies to Russian military units.
"It is one of the largest fuel suppliers in southern Russia and actively supports the Russian armed forces," the General Staff noted.
Attacks on the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery
The Novoshakhtinsk refinery has been targeted before.
Earlier, Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, explained that the refinery is crucial not only for the civilian sector but also for Russia’s military industry.
According to him, lubricants, fuel additives, and other products produced at the refinery can be used both in the civilian sector and in the military industry, making the refinery a legitimate military target.
The refinery’s proximity to the Ukrainian border allows Russia to quickly supply its troops with fuel in the southern direction, making the facility strategically important for Russian logistics.
On December 24, 2024, satellite images showing the aftermath of the attack on the Novoshakhtinsk refinery appeared online. The footage showed that at least one fuel tank had burned during the attack.
