Drones Attack Leningrad and Nizhny Novgorod Regions of Russia: Oil Refinery on Fire, Pipeline Damaged

On Sunday, March 27, the Russian regions of Leningrad and Nizhny Novgorod were subjected to drone attacks that resulted in serious consequences for the oil infrastructure. According to information published by the BBC Russian Service and reported by the Ukrinform agency, Leningrad region governor Alexander Drozdenko announced the alleged downing of 19 drones, which he claimed caused damage to a pipeline in the Primorsk port area.

Drozdenko noted that debris from the drones damaged a section of the pipeline, leading to a "safe burning off from the blocked pipe." This situation has raised concerns among local residents and authorities, as damage to the pipeline could lead to environmental consequences and complicate fuel supply.

In the Nizhny Novgorod region, drones reportedly attacked oil facilities, including the industrial zone of the Kstovo district, where governor Gleb Nikitin stated that 30 drones were allegedly shot down. As a result of the falling debris, fires broke out at two facilities of the Lukoil-Nizhny Novgorodnefteorgsintez company. Additionally, the Novogorky CHP plant sustained damage, as well as several residential buildings, some of which were left without electricity.

The Telegram channel Exilenova+ published photographs and videos showing the burning industrial zone of the Kstovo oil refinery, highlighting the severity of the situation. The fires at the facilities caused panic among local residents, who are concerned about the safety of their homes and health.

These events occurred against the backdrop of previous attacks, when on March 23, the Ukrainian Defense Forces struck the oil terminal in the Leningrad region, "Transneft – Port Primorsk," and the Ufa oil refinery "Bashneft-Ufaneftekhim." These strikes are part of a broader strategy aimed at destroying Russian oil infrastructure, which has suffered significant losses due to drone attacks.

On March 27, the Ust-Luga and Primorsk ports in the Leningrad region of Russia again became targets of drone attacks. According to international news agency Reuters, at least 40% of the oil storage tanks in the Primorsk port were damaged due to Ukrainian drone strikes in March, significantly complicating the situation regarding Russian fuel exports.

In response to these attacks, Russian oil refineries have begun seeking alternative routes for fuel exports. This is due to the fact that Russian oil export hubs in Ust-Luga and Primorsk on the Baltic Sea have been unable to process shipments for two weeks due to ongoing drone attacks, threatening the stability of the Russian oil industry.

These events underscore the rising tension in the region and the impact of the conflict on the Russian economy, particularly on its oil infrastructure. The situation remains tense, and further actions could have serious consequences for both Russia and international markets.