Ukrainian drone attack sets Russia's Kirishi refinery ablaze

A Ukrainian drone attack set fire to the Kirishi oil refinery in Russia's Leningrad region, according to the regional governor. The blaze at the facility, described as Russia's second-largest oil refinery, was later contained. The attack also left one woman dead after falling drone debris struck her, officials said.

Governor Alexander Drozdenko said the refinery came under attack in the early hours of Monday local time. He said air defence forces had downed 113 Ukrainian drones during the overnight assault. He also said an apartment in Kirishi was damaged in the same attack, indicating the strike affected both industrial and residential areas.

The Kirishi refinery is a significant energy asset in north-western Russia, and the wider Leningrad region serves as a major export outlet for grain and oil through the Baltic Sea. The incident adds to a pattern of drone strikes on Russian oil infrastructure that has become a recurring feature of the war. The reported damage comes as both sides have intensified attacks on energy and transport targets.

The refinery fire is notable because it involves one of Russia's largest fuel-processing sites. Disruptions at such facilities can affect domestic fuel supply, export flows and the broader energy balance at a time when Russia is already facing repeated strikes on its oil sector. The reported death of a civilian also underlines the risks to people living near military and industrial targets.

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The attack comes amid a wider escalation in cross-border drone warfare between Russia and Ukraine. Russian forces have also been striking Ukraine's power system, with Moscow saying it has targeted substations and other infrastructure. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly warned that winter attacks on electricity networks are putting pressure on the country's energy system and civilian resilience.

What remains unclear is the full extent of any damage to refinery operations and how long any disruption may last. It is also not clear whether the fire will affect output at the plant beyond the immediate containment reported by the governor. The incident is likely to be watched closely for any further confirmation of casualties, damage assessments and the broader impact on Russia's energy infrastructure.

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