Strike on Ryazan oil refinery exposes real problems with Russian air defense: Analysts weigh in
Photo: The attack on the Ryazan oil refinery on May 1 (illustrative photo by Russian media)
The strikes on the Ryazan refinery demonstrate Russia's inability to provide the region with the necessary air defense capabilities. In particular, this is evidenced by last year's attack on the Dyagilevo air base, according to Defense Express.
The direct distance to the Ryazan refinery from the Ukrainian border is more than 450 km.
“But despite the distance and the possibility of methodical strikes, the main marker of the real situation is the fact that the Dyagilevo air base is located in Ryazan,” the report says.
This airbase houses the Center for Combat Use and Retraining of Personnel, the 203rd Air Refueling Regiment, and Tu-22M3s.
“But after some of these long-range bombers were hit by a converted Tu-141 Strizh in September 2023, Russia most likely withdrew them from the airbase,” analysts say.
In addition, it is known that this airfield is also used by the 360th Aircraft Repair Plant, which specializes in Tu-22M3, Tu-95MS, and Il-76 aircraft and vehicles based on it.
“That is, the refinery itself, as well as other facilities in Ryazan, are strategic for the Russian Federation. However, despite Ukraine's methodical strikes, the Russian Federation failed to implement reliable air defense,” the statement emphasizes.
Strike on Ryazan oil refinery
Defense Intelligence of Ukraine hit Ryazan oil refineries in Russia on the night of May.
