Units from Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, operating with other components of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, carried out an overnight strike on Russia’s Saratov oil refinery on September 20, the Ukrainian General Staff reported.
The plant accounts for roughly 2.54% of Russia’s total refining capacity - more than 7 million tons of oil annually. Explosions and a large fire were reported at the site.
Another strike hit the Novokuybyshevsk oil refinery in Russia’s Samara region, the General Staff said. The facility processes more than 8.8 million tons of oil per year. Preliminary reports indicated explosions and fires at the site. The Telegram channel Astra, citing residents, also reported numerous blasts.
Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces struck a main transport infrastructure facility - the Samara line production and dispatcher station, the General Staff noted. The station blends high- and low-sulfur crude from different fields for Urals export-grade oil. That grade accounts for up to 50% of Russia’s total oil exports.
Samara region Governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev confirmed the region came under drone attack, saying targets included fuel and energy infrastructure. An emergency response team led by Vice Governor Vyacheslav Romanov worked at the scene. Windows were blown out in two apartment buildings and one person was injured, he added.
According to the Telegram channel ASTRA, infrastructure in the southern part of the refinery was initially damaged, sending up a pillar of flame. Another drone then attacked the area; preliminarily, it fell between the refinery and Saratov’s Novy Uvek neighborhood.
Russia’s aviation authority said temporary flight restrictions were introduced at Samara’s airport.
