Ukrainian drones hit Afipsky oil refinery in Russia’s Krasnodar region, starting a fire

Ukrainian drones attacked the Afipsky oil refinery in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai overnight into 6 November, setting the plant on fire, according to Ukrainian media and monitoring channels. Explosions were reported in several places across southern Russia.

The Kyiv Independent, citing the Ukrainian channel Exilenova Plus, reported that a fire broke out at the facility and that a further wave of strikes hit it in the early morning. The channel also said more blasts were heard outside the city of Krasnodar.

Ukrainska Pravda wrote that a series of explosions rang out at the refinery before the fire began, and that thick smoke was later seen drifting from the site in the direction of Krasnodar. The outlet said drones were believed to be behind the attack.

Unconfirmed so far

Explosions were also reported in the neighbouring Republic of Adygea, both outlets said. Exilenova Plus reported fires there as well.

Neither outlet had an official confirmation when it published. The Kyiv Independent said local authorities had not commented and that it could not immediately verify the details. The report was described as a developing story.

The target

Ukrainska Pravda describes Afipsky as one of the biggest refineries in southern Russia, designed to process more than six million tonnes of oil a year. It said the plant makes fuel that is supplied, among other customers, to the Russian armed forces. The Kyiv Independent noted that the European Union placed the refinery under sanctions in April because of its role in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

A string of nightly strikes

The attack follows other reported strikes in recent days. According to Telegram monitoring channels cited by the Kyiv Independent, the Ryazan refinery was reportedly targeted by drones the previous night, with videos on social media said to show explosions and a large blaze nearby.

On the night of 4 November, a drone hit a logistics centre of the Russian online retailer Ozon in Adygea, the company said in a press release. Ozon said it evacuated all employees at once and that nobody was hurt, while a fire broke out and emergency crews went to the scene.

The Kyiv Independent added that Ozon and its rival Wildberries have been targeted by Ukrainian forces in recent months. It said the two companies, with their wider ecosystems, account for about 8.5% of Russia’s GDP. The outlet said Ukraine regularly hits military targets deep inside Russia and occupied territories to weaken Moscow’s ability to keep fighting.

It remains unclear how much damage the refinery suffered or whether production has been affected. Russian officials had not yet commented.