An overnight Ukrainian drone attack on Monday targeted an oil refinery in Russia’s Ryazan region that lies around 500 kilometers from the Russia-Ukraine border, local authorities reported.
Regional governor Pavel Malkov confirmed the attack on Ryazan, saying that the Russian air defence systems shot down the Ukrainian drones. The falling debris damaged the plant’s building and caused fire. Kovalenko said the fuel produced at the enterprise is used by the Russian army's strategic long-range aviation, which launches missile strikes against Ukraine. The refinery may partially resume operations within several days, according to one of the sources who spoke to Reuters.
At least five blasts were reported near the facility. Initial data from the General Staff indicates that the attack ignited a fire close to the main oil processing plant. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, according to the statement.
Ryazan Oil Refinery halted operations after sustaining damage from Ukrainian drone strikes, as reported by two industry sources. Ukraine confirmed targeting the facility in a nighttime drone attack on January 24. Being one of the larges oil facilities in Russia, Ryazan refinery handled 13.1 million metric tons, accounting for nearly 5% of Russia's total refining capacity last year.
