Drones and Missiles Strike Deep into Russia, Targeting Oil and Arms Production

Ukrainian special services struck one of Russia’s largest oil refineries and a military electronics plant deep inside the country, hitting fuel infrastructure and systems used in missiles and drones. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied (Photo by Telegram channel Exilenova+) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Along with striking a major defense plant in Cheboksary, on Tuesday, Ukraine ’s Unmanned Systems Forces (USF), the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), and the Special Operations Forces (SSO) struck one of Russia ’s largest oil refineries – Kirishinefteorgsintez – and the Kirishi oil pumping station in the Leningrad region. According to the USF , operators of the 1st Separate Center, together with the SSO and the SBU, targeted the plant, which has a capacity of 20-21 million tons of oil per year, making it one of Russia’s three largest refineries. Part of the Surgutneftegaz structure, it specializes in deep oil processing and the production of fuel, bitumen, and aromatic hydrocarbons, and it is considered a key element of Russia’s export logistics in the Baltic region. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . The SBU reported that three atmospheric vacuum distillation units – responsible for primary oil processing – were hit, and a fire was ongoing. A tank containing oil products was also struck at the nearby pumping station. Ukrainian drones carried out a simultaneous mass attack on the region. Governor Alexander Drozdenko reported a fire in the industrial zone in Kirishi and said air defenses downed 18 drones over the region, with no casualties reported. KINEF had previously been targeted by drones on March 26 and later resumed operations at reduced capacity. The SBU emphasized that every barrel of Russian oil sold serves as a financial resource for continuing the war. “The deep rear no longer protects Russian strategic facilities,” it said. “Russia must realize that no enterprise involved in supporting the war will remain unnoticed.” Other Topics of Interest First Russian Oil Arrives in Japan Since Iran War: Media Japan, which depends on the Middle East for around 95 percent of its oil imports, has tried to diversify its sources of energy since the outbreak of war on February 28 saw Tehran shut the strait. The Kirishi strikes were part of a broader overnight operation that set ablaze the VNIIR-Progress defense plant in Cheboksary, capital of the Chuvash Republic. The facility produces GNSS receivers and navigation components for Russian missiles and drones, including the electronic warfare-resistant “Comet” modules used in Kalibr and Iskander-M missiles, as well as Shahed kamikaze drones. Footage posted by local residents showed the plant engulfed in flames. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that long-range Flamingo cruise missiles were used in the strike, saying the missiles flew over 1,500 kilometers (932 miles) to hit several sites linked to Russia’s defense sector. Julia is a Deputy Head of News and correspondent for Kyiv Post who has previously worked as a parliamentary editor, journalist, and news editor. She has specialized in covering the work of the Ukrainian parliament, government, and law enforcement agencies.