Drones blast Druzhba oil hub near Russia's Michurinsk
Details of the aftermath are still unknown (Photo: Getty Images)
In the Tambov region of Russia, the activity of unknown drones was recorded overnight on April 26, according to Russian Telegram channels and OSINT analysts.
Timeline of events
According to local residents, explosions were heard over Michurinsk, and air defense systems were active. A fire broke out outside the city.
There is currently no official information regarding the causes of the fire or possible damage.
Target of the attack
In this area, the Nikoľskoye linear production dispatch station (LPDS) is located – a facility of the main oil product transportation system.
The station performs pumping and dispatching control functions, receiving product from adjacent LPDSs and refineries in Central Russia via the Druzhba system, after which it distributes it along main pipelines toward the Russian domestic market and export routes through Belarus.
Ukrainian defense forces are systematically attacking Russian oil infrastructure. In late March – early April 2026, drones struck refineries in Kirishi, Yaroslavl, Saratov, Ufa, Novokuybyshevsk, as well as terminals in Primorsk, Ust-Luga, and Tuapse.
On April 21, SBU (Security Service of Ukraine) drones attacked the Samara linear production dispatch station, damaging five oil tanks. On the night of April 22, drones attacked the Syzran refinery.
A fire continues at the Tuapse refinery (fifth day). Additionally, the Nikoľskoye LPDS in the Tambov region was recently hit.
