Russia's second-largest oil refinery, Kirishi, halted processing on Tuesday after Ukrainian drone attacks damaged three of its four crude distillation units (CDU), two industry sources told Reuters, reports Todayinfo.
This marks an escalation of long-range drone attacks. Over the past two months, Ukraine has pummelled Russia's oil industry, from pipelines and ports to refineries and tankers, in an effort to undermine Russia's $3 trillion war economy.
Both Russia and Ukraine utilize swarms of long-range drones to target vital infrastructure far behind the front lines – areas now monitored around the clock by shorter-range drones.
Leningrad Governor Alexander Drozdenko stated on Tuesday that the Kirishi refinery – formally known as Kirishinefteorgsintez – had been targeted and that a fire occurred in an industrial zone in the town of Kirishi.
Two sources, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, confirmed that three of the refinery's four crude distillation units were damaged in the drone attack.
"The CDUs are a fundamental part of any refinery, and without them, the refinery cannot operate," the sources noted.
Surgutneftegaz, which controls the refinery, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Ukraine's security service confirmed it struck the Kirishi refinery. Russia casts such attacks as terrorism, while Ukraine states it is defending itself.
The Kirishi refinery, located approximately 800 km (500 miles) from the Ukrainian border, has suffered several Ukrainian drone attacks this year.
The sources indicated that it was difficult to estimate the time required for repairs of the damaged units, adding that several secondary units were also damaged.
The refinery's capacity is 20 million metric tons, or about 400,000 barrels per day. In recent years, it has processed roughly 18 million tons annually, accounting for about 7% of Russia's oil refining volumes, and is one of the key suppliers of diesel to the domestic market and for export.
