Ukrainian Air Force Strikes Novosakhtinsk Oil Refinery with Storm Shadow Missiles

A massive fire broke out at an oil refinery in Novoshakhtinsk, Rostov Region, as a result of a strike by Storm Shadow cruise missiles.

A photo of the fire and smoke over the site of the strike was published by the telegram channel Rostov and Region News. At the same time, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the attack on the refinery and the use of cruise missiles.

According to a Russian source, a missile alert was issued in the region before the explosion and the appearance of smoke.

At the same time, local residents reported hearing about 10 explosions and a strange hum, similar to the sound of a rocket engine.

Later, the General Staff reported that the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine had successfully launched a strike with Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles.

It should be noted that the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery is an operational facility located near the city of Novoshakhtinsk. It is one of the largest oil refineries in southern Russia and the only oil-processing enterprise in the Rostov Region.

The plant was built and commissioned in 2009, following a construction period from 2005 to 2009. It became one of the first major oil refineries constructed in the Russian Federation after a long hiatus.

The oil refinery’s design capacity is estimated at approximately 7.5 million tons of crude oil per year (equivalent to about 112,000–115,000 barrels per day). However, some sources cite a range of around 5.6 to 7.5 million tons per year, depending on the assessment.

According to public information, the refinery processed about 3 million tons of crude oil in 2024, although it is capable of handling significantly more – up to 7.5 million tons. However, full-scale operations were hindered by frequent drone attacks and other combat-related damage to equipment.

The Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery carries out comprehensive oil processing and produces major petroleum products, including diesel fuel, motor gasoline (Euro-5), fuel oil, marine and furnace fuels, as well as other liquid fuel products.

It is equipped with technologies for producing “cleaner” fuel that meets high environmental standards. The refinery is connected to main oil pipelines via the Transneft system, as well as rail access lines, ensuring the supply of crude oil and the shipment of finished products by rail and water routes through a terminal on the Don River.

The refinery has been attacked multiple times by the Ukrainian Defense Forces due to its significance for Russia’s defense industry.

In particular, in August 2025, on the night of August 21, Ukrainian drones struck the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Russia’s Rostov Region, causing a fire at the facility.