Ukrainian Special Operations Forces Hit the Saratov Oil Refinery

Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces have struck an oil refinery in Saratov, Russia.

The Special Operations Forces reported that the operation was performed on September 16. According to the General Staff, other units of the Ukrainian defense forces also joined the operation.

“Explosions and a fire were recorded near the facility. The results of the attack are being clarified,” the Armed Forces Command stated.

The Saratov refinery specializes in the production of gasoline, diesel fuel, fuel oil, various grades of bitumen, vacuum gas oil, and industrial sulfur. The company produces over 20 types of petroleum products in total. In 2023, its processing volume amounted to 4.8 million tons.

According to the General Staff, the plant is involved in meeting the needs of the Russian armed forces. Despite this, Roman Busargin, the governor of the Saratov region, did not comment on the incident.

Since the beginning of 2024, Russian oil refineries have been regularly targeted by Ukrainian drones. As a result of the attacks, primary processing units at some facilities have been damaged and require repairs.

The General Staff emphasizes that such strikes are part of comprehensive measures aimed at undermining Russia’s military and economic potential, in particular its ability to supply its troops with fuel, ammunition, and weapons, and at ending its armed aggression against Ukraine. Recently, attack drones damaged two oil refineries in Ufa, Russia.