Night attack on oil depot in Kstovo is Ukraine`s Intelligence operation - Sources
Illustrative photo: the night attack on the oil depot in Kstovo was Ukraine`s Intelligence operation (Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations)
On the night of January 29, UAVs successfully attacked the Lukoil oil depot in Kstovo, Nizhny Novgorod region, Russia. All four drones reached their targets, RBC-Ukraine reports, referring to its sources in Ukraine`s Defense Intelligence.
The oil depot was hit around midnight local time.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing at least three explosions at the facility. Meanwhile, sources confirmed four strikes on the oil depot's territory.
As a result of the attack, the facility sustained significant damage, as all four drones successfully hit their targets.
According to Andriy Kovalenko, Head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, the targeted oil depot has the capacity to process 15 to 17 million tons of crude oil annually, making it the fourth-largest in Russia. Ukrainian expert emphasized its strategic importance to the enemy's army.
Kovalenko also added that the facility produces:
- Gasoline;
- Diesel;
- Aviation kerosene;
- Bitumen.
Photo: distance from Ukraine to Kstovo (Google maps)
Strikes on Russian oil depots
Ukraine has been actively targeting oil refineries in Russia using drones and other means. These attacks have significantly reduced fuel production volumes, which in turn impacts the logistics and military economy of the aggressor country.
These strikes are part of a strategy of attrition aimed at undermining Russia's ability to finance the war and meet military supply needs. At the same time, Ukraine demonstrates its capability to conduct long-range operations, forcing Moscow to engage resources for air defense and the protection of critical infrastructure.
On the night of January 29, Russia reported a massive drone attack. Infrastructure in the Smolensk and Tver regions came under fire. Meanwhile, Russia's Ministry of Defense claimed to have "downed" over a hundred drones.
