A large-scale drone attack struck the Ryazan Oil Refinery in Russia overnight, with local residents reporting at least ten explosions followed by massive fires at one of the country's largest oil processing facilities.
Multiple videos shared on social media captured fire outbreaks across the refinery's territory, including footage showing an explosion at a major oil storage tank. The facility, operated by state-owned Rosneft, processes up to 17 million tons of oil annually and supplies motor fuel to regions around Moscow.
Pavel Malkov, governor of the Ryazan region, acknowledged the drone attack but claimed air defense systems intercepted the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). While stating there were no casualties, Malkov noted emergency services were "eliminating the consequences of the air attack" without detailing the extent of damage.
Russia's Ministry of Defense reported intercepting 121 drones overnight, with 20 allegedly shot down in the Ryazan region. However, video evidence suggests the refinery, located over 450 kilometers from Ukraine's border, sustained substantial damage despite these claims.
According to Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation, the targeted facility produces military-grade fuel for vehicles, aviation kerosene, diesel, and other products used in Russian military equipment, including tanks, planes, and ships.
The attack follows a recent strike on an oil depot in Lisky, Voronezh region, which was hit twice within a week. Observers indicate that critical oil refining equipment may have been damaged during the Ryazan assault, potentially impacting Russia's energy infrastructure and military logistics capabilities.
The facility continues operating despite international sanctions and remains a key component of Russia's oil production network, supporting both civilian needs and military-industrial operations.