A Ukrainian drone strike damaged an industrial zone near a key Russian oil refinery, as attacks continue to disrupt the country’s energy export capacity.

MOSCOW: An industrial area near one of Russia’s largest oil refineries was damaged in a Ukrainian drone attack. The regional governor confirmed the strike over the Kirishi district on Thursday.

Governor Alexander Drozdenko said the attack was being repelled. He reported damage in the industrial zone but did not specify the exact location.

The town of Kirishi hosts the Kirishinefteorgsintez plant, operated by Surgutneftegaz. This major refinery has been repeatedly targeted by Ukrainian forces over the past year.

Industry data shows the facility processed 17.5 million metric tons of oil in 2024. This volume accounted for 6.6% of Russia’s total annual oil refining capacity.

Its output included 2 million tons of gasoline and 7.1 million tons of diesel. The plant also produced 6.1 million tons of fuel oil and 600,000 tons of bitumen.

The attack follows a series of disruptions to Russian energy exports. At least 40% of Russia’s oil export capacity is currently halted, according to a Reuters report.

This stoppage is due to drone attacks, a disputed pipeline incident, and tanker seizures. More than 20 drones were shot down over the northern Leningrad region during the latest assault.

Two major Baltic Sea export ports were also affected. The ports of Primorsk and Ust-Luga suspended loadings of crude and oil products after drone attacks on Wednesday.

A fire broke out at the Ust-Luga complex following a separate Ukrainian drone strike. Russian officials confirmed the incident earlier on Wednesday.

 The Sun Malaysia