Major Russian refinery key unit ablaze after Ukrainian drone strike
File photo: Ukraine has again attacked the oil refinery in Perm (Getty Images)
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has launched a new strike against facilities at one of Russia’s largest oil refineries, Lukoil-Permnaftorgsintez, in Perm. A key component of the primary oil refining process was hit.
"For the second day in a row, drones from the SBU's Alpha Special Operations Center have successfully targeted Russian oil infrastructure near Perm. Today, a fire is raging at the Lukoil-Permnaftorgsintez refinery, located more than 1,500 km from Ukraine," the statement reads.
This refinery is one of the largest in Russia, with a capacity of nearly 13 million tons per year. The plant supplies fuel to both the civilian sector and the Russian military.
According to preliminary information, the AVT-4 unit, a key component of primary oil refining, was hit. The unit has effectively been put out of commission due to damage to the vacuum and atmospheric rectification columns, which are engulfed in flames following the explosions.
In addition, the SBU struck the Perm linear production and dispatch station again, which supplies oil to the Lukoil-Permnaftorgsintez refinery. New fire outbreaks occurred there following the drone attacks.
"Russia must realize one simple thing: it no longer has a safe rear. Distance no longer guarantees protection. Every region where enterprises are working to support the war against Ukraine is within reach," the SBU emphasizes.
On Wednesday, April 29, SBU drones struck oil infrastructure near Perm for the first time. At that time, a fire was reported at a linear production and dispatch station that supplies oil to the refinery. Nearly all the tanks at the facility were engulfed in flames.
Following the first wave of explosions in Perm, a release of hazardous substances occurred, and a white cloud formed in the sky. Residents were warned that an accident involving the release of a hazardous substance had occurred.
A fire has been raging at the oil refinery in Perm for the second day in a row, and explosions can be heard. According to videos released, a fourth tank has burst, thick smoke has blanketed the sky, and people are being evacuated from nearby areas.
