Ukraine attacked Russia's second-largest oil refinery with drones

Ukrainian drones reportedly struck the Kirishinefteorgsintez refinery, known as Kinef, in the city of Kirishi, Leningrad Region, overnight from Sunday to Monday, according to Ukrainian and Russian monitoring channels. The facility is located approximately 800 kilometers from Ukraine and is one of the largest oil refineries in Russia.

The attack reportedly caused explosions and fires at the refinery. Images shared online by witnesses appear to show large columns of fire, while the NASA FIRMS system identified several thermal hotspots in the target area. The information has not been independently confirmed.

Leningrad Region Governor Aleksandr Drozdenko said that 113 Ukrainian drones had been shot down over the region during the attack. Russian publication Astra reported that the refinery supplies fuel to St. Petersburg and kerosene to Pulkovo Airport.

Kinef has an annual processing capacity of approximately 20 million tonnes of oil and produces more than 6% of Russia's refined petroleum products, including fuel intended for the armed forces. The refinery temporarily suspended operations in May after drone attacks damaged three of its four distillation units.

The attack comes amid the resumption of Ukrainian strikes on Russia's energy infrastructure, following a pause associated with an “energy ceasefire” proposed by Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

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