An oil refinery in the Kaluga region of Russia was attacked overnight as part of an operation by Ukraine's Defense Intelligence, according to RBC-Ukraine sources in the Ukrainian special agency.
In total, the facility was attacked by several kamikaze drones. According to eyewitnesses, before the explosions on the territory of Pervyy Zavod refinery, UAVs were heard flying in the sky, and air defense operated. Later, a massive fire broke out at the site of the drone strike. The head of the region Vladislav Shapsha confirmed the information about the damage.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire engulfed tanks with diesel fuel and fuel oil.
Five powerful explosions happened between 00:45 and 01:25 at night. As part of the operation, the following were damaged:
- an atmospheric vacuum tube unit AVBT-101 (production capacity - processing 1.2 million tons per year);
- 3 tanks with diesel fuel;
- 1 fuel oil tanker.
Pervyy Zavod
Pervyy Zavod is the largest petrochemical enterprise in the Kaluga region that processes commercial oil and gas condensate. The facility is located about 300 kilometers out of the border with Ukraine.
Ukraine's intelligence already attacked it on March 15, 2024.
Strikes on Russian refineries
Attacks on Russian refineries are becoming more frequent. According to media reports, the attacks have led to a gasoline shortage within the country. Yesterday, on May 9, it was reported that the Security Service drones attacked two transshipment oil depots in the Krasnodar region of Russia.