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Ukrainian drones targeted one of the largest oil refineries in Russia
Massive Strike Sends Shock Waves
DocuNews Central can confirm that Ukrainian drones hit the huge Kirishi oil refinery in Russia’s Leningrad region. The strike set off a fire and raised new fears about the war’s reach. The incident happened in the early hours of September 14, 2025. Both Russian officials and Ukraine’s military acknowledged the attack.
The Kirishi plant is not a small facility. It is one of the biggest refineries in the Russian Federation. It handles about 17.7 million metric tonnes of crude every year. That is close to 355,000 barrels a day. The plant belongs to Surgutneftegaz through its unit known as Kirishinefteorgsintez.
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Fire Erupts After Drones Downed
The governor of Leningrad region, Alexander Drozdenko, said three drones came down over the area. Debris from the downed drones sparked a blaze inside the refinery grounds. He stated that emergency crews rushed to the scene and quickly put out the fire.
“There were no injuries. The fire was under control in a short time,” Drozdenko told local media. DocuNews Central noted that his words show that Russian authorities are trying to calm the public.
A worker near the refinery told DocuNews Central by phone, “We heard loud sounds in the night. We saw smoke but the fire teams worked fast. People are safe.”
Ukraine Claims Responsibility
Ukraine’s military said the strike was part of a wider plan to weaken Russian energy supplies. Kyiv has often said that Russian oil profits feed the war machine. A Ukrainian defence source said in a short statement: “Every fuel center used to fund aggression is a fair target.”
DocuNews Central has tracked many such strikes over the past months. Ukraine has aimed at oil depots, pipelines and other key sites inside Russia.
No Major Damage Reported Yet
Russian officials stressed that the fire came from falling drone parts and not from a direct hit on a processing unit. Reuters, AP and other international outlets said they could not yet confirm how much damage, if any, was done to the main equipment.
DocuNews Central found no public satellite photos to show clear structural harm. But experts warn that even a short fire can force a temporary shutdown and hurt supply lines.
Key Role in Russian Oil Output
The Kirishi refinery is among the top two or three largest in Russia. It provides about 6.4 percent of the country’s total refining capacity. It is a key hub for both domestic fuel and export markets.
Economists told DocuNews Central that even a brief halt could push up global oil prices. “This is a strategic hit. Markets will react,” said an independent energy analyst based in Europe.
Pattern of Targeted Attacks
This is not the first time Ukraine has used long-range drones to hit Russian energy sites. Over the past year, refineries in Bryansk, Belgorod and other regions have faced similar assaults. Kyiv believes such strikes slow Russia’s ability to fund and fuel its military.
DocuNews Central reminds readers that these attacks show how the conflict has entered a new phase. The war has now lasted more than three years and shows no sign of slowing.
International Reaction
Western officials have not yet issued formal statements on this strike. But in recent weeks the United States and its allies have warned that Russia’s oil sector is a legitimate military target when it is used to back the invasion of Ukraine.
A senior European diplomat, speaking to DocuNews Central on background, said, “These attacks are part of a dangerous cycle. But Ukraine is making a point about Russia’s fuel supply.”
Call to Action
DocuNews Central urges all readers to stay informed. This war continues to affect global energy prices, travel costs and security. Subscribe now to DocuNews Central for instant alerts and deep analysis as more facts come in.
What Lies Ahead
It is not clear how long repairs at Kirishi will take or if production will slow. Officials in Moscow have promised a full review. Ukraine’s leadership has vowed to keep pressure on Russian infrastructure.
DocuNews Central will keep tracking this story as new satellite images and official updates emerge. For timely alerts and expert insight, subscribe to DocuNews Central today and never miss a critical development.
