Ukrainian Special Operations Forces (SSO) and Unmanned Systems Forces struck the Kirishi oil refinery, one of Russia’s largest oil processing facilities, in Leningrad Oblast on the night of Sept. 13-14.
Russian Telegram channels reported overnight that drones attaked an oil refinery in Leningrad Oblast. Leningrad regional governor Alexander Drozdenko claimed that three drones were downed near the city of Kirishi, but their debris caused a fire on the plant’s premises.
Ukrainian officials acknowledged the agencies that executed the overnight attack on Telegram.
“On the night of 13-14 September, the Kirishi oil refinery in Leningrad Oblast, one of Russia’s largest oil refineries, was struck. The operation was jointly carried out by Special Operations Forces together with Unmanned Systems Forces,” according to Ukrainian General Staff and other official posts on Telegram.
“This refinery is one of Russia’s leaders in oil processing, with a capacity of about 20 million tonnes per year.”
Ukraine’s General Staff commented on the significance of the targeted oil processing facility:
“The Kirishi oil refinery is one of the largest oil refineries in the Russian Federation. This facility produces about 80 types of petroleum products, including automotive gasoline, diesel, aviation fuel, etc., and is involved in supplying the needs of the Russian armed forces.”
The Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces, commonly referred to as the Drone Forces, Maj. Robert Brovdi (Callsign: “Madyar,” meaning Hungarian) also confirmed the strikes on Telegram.
Madyar said that the Kirishi refinery is among the top five in Russia with an annual output of 20 million tons. He also noted that the facility specializes in the production of high-octane gasoline and all types of fuel.
In his post, he wrote about the open secret that is Ukraine’s overall, obvious strategic objective of its drone strikes within Russia:
“The Defense Forces of Ukraine are systematically working to weaken the military-economic capabilities of the aggressor state, particularly regarding the supply of fuel, weapons, and ammunition to the occupying forces.”
Madyar added at the end of his post: “To be continued!”