Ukrainian drones at night found one of the largest oil refineries in Russia and led to a fire, according to Russian officials and the army of Ukraine.
The strike at the Kirishi refinery, in the north -western region of Noordwest -Leningrad, follows weeks of Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure that Kiev says that Kyiv says that the war effort of Moscow is burning. The facility, operated by Russian oil major Surgutneftegas, roughly produces nearly 17.7 million tonnes per year (355,000 barrels per day).
More than three years since the full invasion of Russia in Ukraine, drones have emerged an important weapon for both parties. Several Russian drones were stuck to Poland on Wednesday, so NATO would send fighter jets to shoot them and to underline long -term concern that the fighting may go beyond the boundaries of Ukraine.
According to the general staff of Ukraine, explosions and a fire were reported to the Kirishi refinery. It posted a photo that lay a fire and clouds of smoke against a night sky.
Regional government Alexander Drozdenko said that three drones were taken down at night in the Kirishi area, with a falling debris caused a fire in the facility. He said no one was injured and that the fire was turned off.
Russian officials did not immediately comment on the consequences of the strike.
Russia remains the second largest oil exporter, but a seasonal increase in demand and persistent Ukrainian drone attacks have caused gasoline shortages in recent weeks.
Gas stations have run dry in some regions of the country, with motorists waiting in long lines and officials who resort to cutting or cutting off the sale.
To try to alleviate the shortage, Russia paused the export of gasoline, whereby officials have explained a full ban on Wednesday to 30 September and a partial ban on traders and intermediaries until 31 October.
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