Ukraine's military says its forces struck the Ilsky oil refinery in Russia's Krasnodar region overnight, sparking a fire at the major fuel-processing facility.
Strike on Ilsky refinery
The Ilsky refinery, located in the Seversky district of Russia's Krasnodar region, was hit overnight into September 26, with a fire reported at the site, according to a Telegram post by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Russian independent outlet ASTRA reported that residents heard explosions and air-defence systems during the attack, while images shared online showed a large blaze in the distance.
Official responses and casualties
Krasnodar governor Veniamin Kondratiev confirmed that drones had attacked the Seversky district and said there had been casualties, according to Ukrainian media reports. He also said drone debris damaged a residential building and fires broke out at two businesses in the district, although he did not identify the facilities.
Russia's Defence Ministry claimed 645 Ukrainian drones were intercepted across the country between 8pm on Friday and 8am on Saturday. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin separately said 20 drones heading towards the capital were shot down on Saturday morning.
Refinery's role and prior attacks
The Ilsky refinery has an annual processing capacity of around 6.6 million tonnes of crude oil and is one of the leading oil-processing facilities in southern Russia. Ukraine's General Staff said products from the refinery are used, in part, to meet the needs of the Russian Armed Forces.
It added: “The destruction of such facilities is the exercise by Ukraine of its inalienable right to self-defense in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter and is aimed at reducing the military-economic potential of the Russian Federation.” The refinery has repeatedly been targeted during the war, with reported attacks earlier this year including strikes in August, July, June, February and January.
