Ukraine launched Anglo-French Storm Shadow cruise missiles at the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Russia’s Rostov region, the General Staff said Thursday.
Explosions rocked the facility and a fire broke out, according to Kyiv, which called it “a successful strike with air-launched Storm Shadow cruise missiles on the Novoshakhtinsk refinery.” “Multiple explosions were recorded, the target was hit,” the General Staff added. Officials in Kyiv said the refinery supplies diesel and aviation fuel for Russia’s military.
Rostov region Governor Yuri Slyusar confirmed strikes on Novoshakhtinsk, saying “explosions occurred.” One firefighter was injured while battling the blaze, according to the governor.
The full extent of the damage remains unclear. A Ukrainian Telegram channel, Exilenova+, published footage showing columns of black smoke rising over the plant.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has attacked the Novoshakhtinsk refinery at least six times. The first was in March 2024. This is the first reported strike on the facility using Storm Shadow missiles.
The refinery lies roughly 175 kilometers from Ukrainian-controlled territory. Storm Shadow missiles have a range of more than 250 kilometers.
