Ukrainian drone strikes sparked a major fire at one of southern Russia’s largest oil refineries overnight, as Kyiv continued its campaign targeting Russia’s energy infrastructure.According to Krasnodar region governor Veniamin Kondratyev, debris from downed Ukrainian drones ignited a blaze at the refinery in Slavyansk-na-Kubani, east of Russian-occupied Crimea.The attack also caused casualties, with one person killed in the town and another injured in a nearby village after falling drone debris struck the area.Several videos circulated onlineSoon after the attack, videos of the incident began circulating on X, showing massive plumes of black smoke rising from the refinery.The Slavyansk refinery is a key energy facility in southern Russia, capable of processing nearly four million tons of crude oil annually, according to its operator. It serves as an important export hub for petroleum products, including fuel oil, naphtha and marine fuel, shipped through Russia’s Black Sea ports.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said that another refinery in Russia’s Yaroslavl region, located around 700 kilometres (435 miles) from the Ukrainian border, was targeted during the overnight drone attacks.Russian authorities did not immediately confirm a strike on the Yaroslavl refinery. However, Yaroslavl Governor Mikhail Evraev said several roads connecting the region to Moscow were temporarily closed due to what he described as “an enemy attack by Ukrainian drones.”Putin admits fuel shortageRussian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday acknowledged that fuel supply disruptions have led to shortages in several regions of the country, saying the government has formed a task force to ensure adequate fuel distribution nationwide.Speaking at a meeting with senior officials on fuel supply and distribution, Putin said authorities were working to limit the impact of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia’s oil infrastructure, which he linked to the ongoing shortages.“You are well aware that problems for drivers and for businesses persist,” Putin said, according to Russian state media. “Unfortunately, there are still queues at gas stations too.”The Russian leader said the government is considering a temporary ban on diesel exports to prioritize domestic supplies.
