Ukrainian Forces Strike Key Russian Oil Infrastructure

Ukrainian drone forces executed a powerful strike on the 'Lukoil-Nizhny Novgorodnefteorgsintez' oil refinery located in Kstovo, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, Russia, as well as on the Primorsk port in the Leningrad region on Sunday, March 23, 2026. These actions are part of a large-scale operation aimed at destroying critical components of the Russian oil infrastructure.

According to information published on the SBS Telegram channel, operators from the 1st Separate Drone Center, the 414th Separate Brigade 'Madyar Birds,' and the 413th Separate Regiment 'Raid' successfully targeted one of the largest oil refineries in Russia. This facility has a processing capacity of up to 17 million tons per year, accounting for nearly 30% of the country's total gasoline consumption. Over 20 explosions were recorded in the vicinity of the facility, indicating the effectiveness of the attack.

Furthermore, the second target of the SBS operators was the Primorsk port in the Leningrad region. This port is one of the largest in Russia, specializing in the transportation of oil products. Both of the highlighted facilities are crucial links in a single chain: the refinery processes oil, while the terminal exports it, making them strategically important for the Russian economy.

As a result of the strikes, the adversary was compelled to impose restrictions at several airports, lasting over 28 hours. The estimated economic damage from the attacks is assessed to exceed $6 million. This reflects a significant impact on the logistics and supply of oil products in Russia, which may have long-term consequences for the country's economy.

The drone forces emphasized that such strikes will continue until Russia ceases its military aggression against Ukraine. This underscores the determination of Ukrainian forces in their struggle for independence and territorial integrity.

It is noteworthy that a previous strike on the 'Lukoil-Nizhny Novgorodnefteorgsintez' refinery in Kstovo was recorded in early November 2025. The maximum processing capacity of this refinery is 18 million tons per year, and it is actively involved in supplying the Russian occupying army.

Additionally, on March 23, 2026, the Ukrainian Security Service's drones also successfully attacked the Primorsk port, where a fire continued for several days. This port is the largest oil port in Russia on the Baltic Sea and a key export hub through which a significant portion of oil supplies to external markets, including via a 'shadow fleet,' passes. In 2025 alone, over 46.6 million tons of oil were transshipped through the port, further emphasizing its strategic significance.