Drones shut down one of Russia's largest refineries: Details on damage
Drones shut down one of Russia's largest refineries on the Kstovo (Photo: GettyImages)
The attack by Ukrainian drones could have permanently halted the operation of the plant near Nizhny Novgorod. The 800 km from Ukraine oil refinery processes 15 million tons of oil annually.
The current condition of the Russian refinery in Nizhny Novgorod and its ability to continue functioning are discussed in an article by RBC-Ukraine.
The following sources were used in the preparation of the material: Defence of Ukraine, Russian media.
Previously reported, a drone attacked the Lukoil-Nizhny Novgorodnefteorgsintez refinery in the city of Kstovo, Nizhny Novgorod region, this morning, March 12.
According to Russian sources, the main element of the plant was destroyed - one of the oil processing units crucial for all technological processes, causing the plant to cease operations.
It's worth noting that the refinery is one of the largest in Russia. As of 2022, it processed 15 million tons of oil, which accounted for about 5% of Russia's total refining volume.
Additionally, this refinery was one of the first targets sanctioned due to Russian aggression.
On January 4, 2024, another catalytic cracking unit malfunctioned due to compressor equipment failure. There are only two such units at this facility.
As reported in Russia, it is impossible to quickly repair it as it requires ordering Western components, which is currently not feasible.
Thus, this attack likely permanently crippled the Russian oil refinery.
Attacks on Russian refineries
Attacks by Ukrainian drones on Russian refineries are becoming increasingly systematic. Recently, a drone attacked one of the largest oil refineries in Yaroslavl.
Sources from RBC-Ukraine also reported that drones of the Security Service of Ukraine hit the refinery in Tuapse, resulting in a mighty fire.
Additionally, the Security Service of Ukraine drones successfully targeted the Ust-Luga Oil terminal, where fuel is processed, including that supplied to Russian forces.
