In the Russian-occupied city of Berdyansk in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukrainian troops struck a fuel and lubricants depot. In the early hours of Sunday, October 19, Ukraine’s Armed Forces also targeted the Novokuybyshevsk Oil Refinery in Russia’s Samara region, a facility with an annual capacity of 4.9 million tons of crude and output of more than 20 types of petroleum products.
The military struck the ELOU AVT primary crude processing unit, sparking a fire, according to Ukraine’s General Staff.
Residents of Novokuybyshevsk, a city in the Samara region, reported powerful explosions and a major fire. Witnesses said thick black smoke rose over the refinery area and could be seen from several kilometers away. The Novokuybyshevsk refinery, owned by Rosneft, caught fire after being struck by drones, according to those on the scene. People shared videos and photos showing a column of flames and flying sparks.
Samara region Governor Dmitry Fedorishchev confirmed the drone attack but declined to specify the extent of damage or whether there were any casualties. Eyewitness footage suggested the refinery was still burning in the morning.
Witnesses said several explosions occurred at the plant overnight, after which flames swept across the industrial site.
Video from the scene spread quickly on social media. The footage shows a bright glow rising over the facility.
The distance from Orenburg to the Ukrainian border is about 1,700 kilometers. Despite that range, drone attacks are becoming more frequent and precise, underscoring the growing vulnerability of Russia’s defenses and raising questions about its ability to protect even deep rear facilities.
Almost simultaneously, strikes hit the Orenburg region. Governor Yevgeny Solntsev said drones targeted Gazprom’s gas processing plant. He reported “partial damage to infrastructure” and said “a fire broke out in one of the units.”
Preliminary reports indicate a strike on a gas treatment and processing unit, triggering a large blaze. The plant can process 6.2 million tons of gas condensate/oil annually and up to 45 billion cubic meters of natural gas.
The Orenburg Gas Processing Plant is considered one of the largest gas-chemical complexes in the world. Built in the Soviet era with the participation of French company Technip, it was commissioned in 1974. The facility includes nine units producing commercial gas, seven sulfur production units, and three condensate stabilization units.
