Ukrainian forces launched a series of major drone attacks overnight, targeting a major oil refinery in the Russian city of Volgograd and an industrial facility in Rostov-on-Don, according to The Kyiv Independent.
The strikes came just one day after trilateral peace talks were held in Abu Dhabi, as Ukraine continues targeting infrastructure that supports Russia’s military operations and generates revenue for Moscow through energy exports.
Ukrainian monitoring channels Exilenova+ and Supernova+ reported explosions and a fire at the Lukoil-Volgogradneftepererabotka refinery. The facility is one of Russia’s largest oil refineries, with an annual crude oil processing capacity of approximately 15 million tonnes.
Footage shared by local residents showed flames lighting up the night sky above the refinery, while Russian air defence systems could be heard operating in the area.
The attacks come amid growing pressure on Russia’s fuel infrastructure, with Ukrainian strikes contributing to disruptions in fuel supplies in parts of the country. Images from Volgograd also showed motorists queuing at petrol stations following the latest incident.
Volgograd governor confirms massive attack
Regional Governor Andrey Bocharov confirmed that Volgograd had been targeted in what he described as a “massive” attack. He reported fires in the city’s southern industrial zone.
The Lukoil refinery is one of the largest facilities owned by Lukoil, Russia’s second-largest oil producer. Located approximately 400 kilometres from the Ukrainian border, it was previously targeted by Ukrainian forces on October 2.
Attacks also reported in Rostov-on-Don and Moscow
Further south-west, Rostov Region Governor Yuri Slyusar confirmed that Ukrainian drones had also targeted Rostov-on-Don.
According to Slyusar, the strikes triggered fires at an industrial facility and a warehouse, while debris from intercepted drones damaged a residential building.
Rostov-on-Don had previously come under Ukrainian attack on November 8, when a drone strike damaged a bridge and energy infrastructure, prompting road closures and electricity disruptions.
Meanwhile, dozens of Ukrainian drones reportedly targeted Moscow during the night of November 13. Russian officials said the attacks disrupted flight operations at several major airports in the Moscow region.
Ukraine confirms strike on Omsk refinery
Separately, Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces (SSO) confirmed that they had struck an oil refinery in Omsk on November 11.
The facility is considered the largest of its kind in Russia, making it another significant target in Kyiv’s ongoing campaign against Russian energy infrastructure.
Ukraine has increasingly focused on oil refineries and other industrial facilities in an effort to weaken Russia’s ability to finance and sustain its war effort.
