Ukrainian defence forces launch large-scale strikes on Russian oil refineries, ammunition depots VIDEO

Overnight on August 28, the Ukrainian Defence forces executed a comprehensive operation targeting critical infrastructure within Russian territory, striking two major oil refineries and multiple ammunition depots, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine stated.

Units from the Ukrainian Defence Forces, supported by Defence Intelligence, coordinated precise strikes against key strategic targets across several Russian regions, resulting in significant explosions and fires at vital facilities, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

Among the primary targets was the Afipsky oil refinery in Krasnodar Krai, which sustained a substantial blow causing a large-scale fire on its premises. This refinery is a pivotal producer of gasoline and diesel fuel, essential for Russian military operations, with an annual processing capacity estimated at 6.25 million tons of oil.

Simultaneously, the Ukrainian Unmanned Forces and Special Operations Forces struck the Kuibyshev oil refinery in the Samara region. The facility, known for producing over 30 types of petroleum products—including gasoline, diesel fuel, fuel oil, and solvents—has a processing capacity exceeding 7 million tons annually. The assault ignited a series of explosions and a major fire, significantly impacting refinery operations.

In addition to the refinery strikes, coordinated efforts involving the Unmanned Forces, Special Operations Forces, and the Security Service of Ukraine targeted ammunition depots and logistical hubs utilized by Russian forces. These strikes were conducted both within Russian territory and in the temporarily occupied regions of Ukraine, disrupting enemy supply chains and operational capabilities.

The Ukrainian military is currently assessing the full extent of the damage inflicted and the operational outcomes of the strikes.

Robert Brovdi, call-sign Madyar, Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, previously confirmed the precision strikes on the two refineries. He noted a significant reduction in Russian oil refining capacity, stating: “Russian oil refining fell by 21% in the first two weeks of August, and during a single night, fuel volumes dropped another 4.7%.”

On August 26, recent Ukrainian operations had struck 10 Russian refineries, cumulatively disabling at least 17% of the country’s oil refining capacity.

In response to the ongoing disruption of fuel supplies, Russian authorities have extended the ban on gasoline exports until the end of October. The Russian Cabinet justified this measure as necessary for “stabilizing the situation in the domestic market.”

By Vafa Guliyeva