Second-Largest Oil Refinery in Russia Hit by Drones, Causing Fire

Drones targeted the Kirishinefteorgsintez oil refinery in the Leningrad region of Russia overnight on November 9, according to reports by Ukrainska Pravda citing monitoring channels and Russian media outlet ASTRA. The facility stands as the second-largest oil refinery in the Russian Federation and has been operating under strict international sanctions.

Strategic Facility Targeted Near St. Petersburg

ASTRA OSINT analysts confirmed through local video footage that a fire broke out at the refinery site. Leningrad Region Governor Alexander Drozdenko reported that 113 drones were intercepted over the region during the night. Preliminary assessments indicate that a primary crude oil distillation unit, identified as ELOU-AVT-2, caught fire, while units ELOU-AVT-6 and ELOU-AT-6 sustained damage.

• Annual design capacity: Approximately 20 to 21 million tons of crude oil per year
• Key supply role: Primary fuel provider for St. Petersburg and jet fuel supplier for Pulkovo Airport
• Corporate structure: Operates under the Surgutneftegaz group, supplying Russia's Northwestern region

International Sanctions Background

The targeted enterprise holds critical economic importance for the Russian energy sector, producing everything from gasoline and diesel to heavy fuel oil, bitumen, and liquefied gas. In 2025, the United States imposed blocking sanctions against Surgutneftegaz and its associated entities, including the Kirishi refinery. The European Union and the United Kingdom have also applied restrictive measures against the corporation.