Ukrainian UAV strikes major Russian oil refinery again

A Ukrainian drone attack targeted Gazprom's Neftekhim Salavat oil refinery, one of Russia's largest, for the second time in less than a week.

Radiy Khabirov, governor of Bashkortostan in central Russia, reported on 24/9, "Gazprom's Neftekhim Salavat oil refinery has been attacked again by a Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). We are assessing the damage." Khabirov did not specify the number of UAVs involved or the extent of the damage. The Russian Ministry of Defense did not mention the attack in its update on airstrikes across the country.

A source from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) told the Kyiv Post that the SBU's Special Operations Center A carried out the UAV strike on the Neftekhim Salavat refinery. "The SBU continues to conduct attacks on facilities deep inside Russia that fund the war against us. Russia must finally realize that the war against Ukraine will come at a high price," the source said.

Black smoke rises from what is believed to be the Neftekhim Salavat oil refinery in Bashkortostan. Video: X/ Vikspeaks1

Unverified videos circulating on social media showed a large plume of black smoke rising from what appeared to be the Neftekhim Salavat oil refinery, after local residents reported hearing loud explosions.

This is the second attack on the Neftekhim Salavat refinery in less than a week. On 18/9, Ukrainian security services reported their UAV hit the refinery's center, causing a "large fire". The governor of Bashkortostan confirmed the incident but only said that the damage was being assessed.

The Neftekhim Salavat complex, located over 1,400 km from the Ukrainian border, is Russia's 10th largest oil refinery, with an annual capacity of 10 million tons, producing over 150 petroleum and chemical products.

Smoke and flames rise from Russia's Neftekhim Salavat oil refinery on 18/9. Photo: Euro Maidan Press

Ukraine has recently intensified attacks on Russian oil and gas facilities to disrupt the country's energy supply. Since the beginning of August, at least 10 refineries have been attacked, forcing Russia to cut refining capacity by nearly 20% at one point. The attacks have also contributed to fuel shortages in Russia, driving up wholesale prices.

Transneft, the operator of Russia's oil pipelines, has reportedly warned producers that oil output could decline if UAV attacks continue and damage critical facilities.

Gazprom Neft announced last week that it had postponed scheduled maintenance at its Omsk refinery as part of the Russian government's measures to stabilize domestic fuel supplies.