Early on Wednesday, January 29, Ukrainian drones targeted the Lukoil refinery in Russia, causing significant fires and damage. The Ukrainian military intelligence reported that four drones struck the refinery, which is crucial in supporting Russian occupation forces. This attack occurred close to midnight local time, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Drone Strikes and Fire Damage
According to Ukrainian sources, the drone strikes on the Lukoil facility resulted in a large fire. Local Telegram channels shared footage showing the flames engulfing the refinery. Russian authorities in Nizhny Novgorod, where the refinery is located, confirmed that air defense systems were activated, and fragments of the drones reportedly hit the facility during the counterattack.
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Russian officials, including Smolensk region Governor Vasily Anokhin, labeled the attack as a “massive drone attack.” Anokhin further claimed that one of the drones was intercepted while attempting to strike a nuclear energy plant. This incident reflects Ukraine’s broader strategy of targeting Russia’s civilian infrastructure amidst the ongoing war.
Other Drone Attacks on Russia
The Lukoil attack is part of a larger wave of Ukrainian drone assaults on Russian infrastructure. On the same night, Russia reported shooting down over 100 Ukrainian drones. These drones were part of a broader offensive that led to cancellations of flights at St. Petersburg and Kazan airports and attacks in other Russian regions, including Nizhny Novgorod, Smolensk, Tver, and Bryansk oblasts.
This attack follows Ukraine’s previous assault on Russia’s Ryazan Oil Refinery and a thermal power plant in Ryazan on January 24. The Ryazan refinery, one of Russia’s largest, was heavily damaged, with reports of more than 50 explosions and a massive fire. These ongoing attacks underscore the Ukrainian military’s emphasis on targeting critical Russian infrastructure in the war.