Drone Strike Reportedly Hits One of Russia’s Largest Oil Refineries in Volgograd

Drones struck an oil refinery in the Russian city of Volgograd overnight on October 14–15, according to the Crimean Wind Telegram channel.

The report states that the attack targeted the Lukoil refinery, triggering a fire on the facility’s grounds.

In one of the videos posted by local residents, a glow could be seen in the direction of the refinery.

Users in local online groups also reported hearing explosions.

Russian officials later confirmed a drone attack in the region. Volgograd region’s Governor Andrey Bocharov said debris from a drone fell in the village of Kirova in the Svetloyarsky district, located near the refinery.

Given Bocharov’s record of releasing misleading statements even after confirmed attacks on the refinery, there remains a possibility that the drones hit the facility directly.

The Volgograd refinery plant is the largest producer of petroleum products in Russia’s Southern Federal District, with an annual capacity of 14.8 million tons. The refinery is located about 475 kilometers from Ukraine’s border.

The facility has been targeted by Ukrainian drones before. On the night of August 14, strike drones targeted the same refinery, resulting in a large fire.