Moscow, Russia – Amid escalating tensions, Ukrainian forces allegedly launched a drone attack on yet another Russian oil refinery, authorities in Krasnodar revealed on Sunday. The assault on the Slavyansk oil refinery marks the latest in a series of strikes targeting Moscow’s key oil facilities.
The attack, which occurred around 3 a.m. local time, resulted in a fire at the refinery when one of the drones malfunctioned. This incident comes in the wake of an intensified campaign by Kyiv to disrupt Russia’s oil production and infrastructure. The Krasnodar facility is reported to be the sixth refinery hit in the past week, highlighting Ukraine’s efforts to undermine Russia’s ability to support its military operations in Ukraine.
As the attacks coincide with controversial presidential elections in Russia expected to secure Vladimir Putin’s grip on power for another term, the international community remains critical of the process. Reports suggest that the disrupted oil facilities not only impact Russia’s oil production but also hamper the supply of essential resources to occupying forces in Ukraine, according to a spokesperson for Ukraine’s military intelligence agency.
In response to the attack, Krasnodar officials confirmed that the fire had been extinguished, although one individual reportedly suffered a fatal heart attack during the drone strike. Despite the incident, Russian Defense Ministry did not explicitly mention the assault on the refinery but acknowledged intercepting 17 Ukrainian drones over the region, emphasizing the escalating tensions between the two nations.
The drone strikes are part of a broader pattern of attacks on Russian oil refineries in recent days. Regional officials in Samara reported drone strikes on two refineries, with fires breaking out at one of the facilities. Similarly, reports from Kaluga, Ryazan, Rostov, and Nizhny Novgorod regions detail further drone strikes on Russian oil assets, resulting in injuries, production disruptions, and infrastructure damage.
The series of attacks highlight the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with each strike escalating tensions and inflaming the already volatile situation. As both sides continue to engage in hostilities, the impact on oil production and supply chains in the region remains a significant concern, threatening the stability of the energy market and regional security.