Yusov: Russian oil infrastructure may have been hit by “unknown Ukrainian-made UAVs”
The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine commented on the strikes on Russian oil infrastructure. Andrii Yusov, a representative of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, provided the relevant comments during the telethon. "A number of events are taking place at the military facilities of the Russian Federation.
Despite the fact that they refer to an alleged Novoshakhtinsk refinery, this is a military facility used to supply and support the Russian invasion group in Ukraine. We do not comment on the details. Everyone can watch, including online, what is happening there.
The company's operations are currently suspended," Yusov commented on the attack on the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery. Yusov added that the shutdown of the enterprise means that the Russians will have problems and disruptions of certain plans, which adds to the opportunities for our defenders.
Novoshakhtinsk Oil Plant. Source: nznp.ruThe representative of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine noted that the department can neither confirm nor deny its involvement in the damage to Russian oil infrastructure.
He added that any war means provision and supply. "And when it comes to the Russian oil refining industry, recent events, in particular, the ban on the export of refined petroleum products, are also the result of such excesses, which are very active in Russia. Because you can't fill tanks with crude oil," Yusov said.
Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery.Source: Google Earth
The representative of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine also clarified that the said refineries in Russia were probably hit by "unknown Ukrainian-made UAVs."
Drone attacks on Russian infrastructure
Militarnyi previously reported that three drones crashed on the territory of an oil refinery in Novoshakhtinsk, Rostov region, which suspended its operations. The extent of the damage to the plant's fuel tanks and units is not yet known, but a shutdown of the plant could lead to serious delays in the supply of fuels and lubricants. The Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery is the only operating refinery in the Rostov region and the largest supplier of oil products in southern Russia.
Several dozen drones massively attacked Russian facilities on the night of March 13. In Ryazan, drones attacked an oil refinery.
Fire at the oil plant in Ryazan.13.03.2024. Russia.
Frame from ASTRA video
Eyewitnesses reported that three drones hit Ryazannefteprodukt, a subsidiary of Rosneft. It is noted that the drones hit two primary oil refineries. According to various sources, a fire broke out in an area of 100-200 square meters.
On the morning of March 13, there were also reports of a drone strike on the FSS building in Belgorod. Windows were smashed in the building, and the facade was damaged. In the Voronezh region, according to Alexander Gusev, head of the region, air defense forces claim they had allegedly shot down more than 30 drones.
In the Leningrad region, governor Alexander Drozdenko claimed that air defense forces neutralized a drone as it approached the Kirishinefteorgsintez oil refinery in the Kirishsky district.
Smoke in Belgorod. March 13, 2024. Russia.Photo credits: ASTRA Telegram channel
In the Bryansk region, air defense forces allegedly shot down eight drones, said governor Alexander Bogomaz. In the Kursk region, the Russian military allegedly shot down six UAVs, according to Roman Starovoyt, head of the region. Authorities in the Lipetsk region also reported that drones had attacked the region.
On March 7, a drone attacked a large metallurgical plant belonging to steelmaker Severstal in the Russian city of Cherepovets, Vologda region.