• Source:JND
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Ukraine carried out a major drone strike on the Kirishi oil refinery in Russia’s northwestern Leningrad region, targeting one of the country’s largest crude processing facilities. Also known as Kirishinefteorgsintez (KINEF), the refinery refines around 17.7 million metric tons of crude oil annually, about 355,000 barrels per day, accounting for roughly 6.4 per cent of Russia’s total refining capacity. The overnight attack comes amid weeks of Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, which Kyiv says fuels Moscow’s ongoing war effort.

Operated by Russian oil giant Surgutneftegas, the Kirishi facility is among the top three refineries in Russia by output. Videos shared on social media captured massive flames and thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky. Ukrainian strikes reportedly caused a fire at the site after debris from intercepted drones fell onto the refinery. Regional Governor Alexander Drozdenko confirmed that three drones were shot down near Kirishi, with falling debris igniting the blaze. The fire was later extinguished, Reuters reported.

Drone Warfare Escalates

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More than three years since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, drones continue to play a central role in the conflict. Kyiv has used unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to target refineries, pipelines, and other critical infrastructure in Russia. The Kirishi strike highlights the strategic importance of energy facilities in the war, as Moscow relies heavily on oil exports to fund military operations.

The attack also comes amid heightened tensions along NATO’s eastern flank. Multiple Russian drones crossed into Poland on Wednesday, prompting NATO fighter jets to intercept them. These incidents underline longstanding fears that the conflict could spill beyond Ukraine’s borders.

Russian Response

Russia’s Defence Ministry stated that at least 361 drones were intercepted using air defence systems, including four guided aerial bombs and a U.S.-made HIMARS missile. The ministry did not provide precise locations for all the attacks. Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed explosions and a fire at the Kirishi refinery, sharing images of the blaze at night.

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