Russia’s Saratov region came under another drone attack overnight Tuesday, November 11. Regional governor Roman Busargin reported “damage to civilian infrastructure” from the UAV strikes. “All emergency services are on the scene,” Busargin wrote on Telegram, without specifying which sites were hit.
Later, the governor said windows were blown out in several homes in the city’s Zavodskoy District and that a woman was injured. Busargin said he visited the site and discussed repairs and financial assistance for property damage. A help center has been set up at a nearby school.
“Specialists are surveying the entire area to rule out any danger. Once all work is complete, residents will be able to return home. If needed, free hotel accommodation will be provided,” Busargin added.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, wrote on Telegram that the Saratov oil refinery caught fire after the drone strikes.
The Telegram channel Astra also reported the refinery was the target. The facility, owned by Rosneft, sits in the Zavodskoy District. The outlet said its conclusion was based on an OSINT analyst’s review of eyewitness videos. The strike on the Saratov refinery was at least the seventh since the start of this year, it added.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said on Telegram that Ukrainian drones attacked Saratov region. Eight drones were shot down over the region, the ministry said. Russia has been waging a full-scale war against Ukraine for more than three and a half years. In total, 37 drones were destroyed overnight across seven regions, over the Black Sea and over Russian-annexed Crimea, the ministry added.
Fifth reported strike on the Saratov refinery since the start of fall
This appears to be the fifth attack on the Saratov refinery this fall, following reported strikes on November 3, October 16, September 20 and September 16.
The Saratov refinery produces gasoline, diesel, fuel oil and more than 20 other petroleum products. Ukraine’s General Staff has said the plant is involved in meeting the needs of Russia’s armed forces.
