Russian Refinery Burns for Third Day After Ukrainian Drone Strikes

Ukraine’s drone strikes have left Russia’s Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery burning for three days, severely damaging a key southern fuel hub. No injuries were reported, but nearby water supply was disrupted. The attack is part of Ukraine’s wider campaign against Russian energy infrastructure, escalating tensions despite ongoing international peace efforts.

Russia’s Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Rostov Oblast has remained ablaze for three consecutive days following a series of Ukrainian drone strikes. The refinery, one of southern Russia’s largest and the only facility in the region, has been targeted multiple times since early August.

Authorities confirmed that no casualties have been reported so far, but emergency services continue to battle the flames. The refinery, which mainly produces fuel for export, has an annual processing capacity of five million metric tons of oil, equivalent to around 100,000 barrels per day. Videos circulating on social media show towering flames and heavy smoke billowing from the site.

Local officials said the attacks also disrupted water supply in nearby Krasny Sulin, where restoration efforts are underway. The facility’s importance to Russia’s southern fuel supply chain has heightened concerns about the wider impact of these strikes.

Ukraine has claimed responsibility for multiple drone attacks on Russian refineries throughout August, including those in Volgograd, Ryazan, Samara, and Saratov. Oil depots in Sochi and pumping stations in other regions were also hit, resulting in fires and explosions. Kyiv’s military described the strikes as part of its ongoing campaign to disrupt Russia’s energy infrastructure.

The escalation comes as the war between Russia and Ukraine, now in its third year, shows little sign of easing despite high-profile diplomatic talks. Just days before the refinery fire, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US President Donald Trump in a renewed attempt to broker peace. However, hostilities have only intensified, with both nations carrying out aerial strikes.

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As Russia continues to down Ukrainian drones near sensitive sites, including nuclear facilities, the conflict’s energy and security implications remain a growing concern for the region and beyond.