Ukrainian drones hit oil refinery 2,000 km from border in Russia's Komi Republic, military intelligence confirms
Editor's Note: This story has been updated with comments from a source in Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR).
A Ukrainian drone attack on Aug. 10 struck the Lukoil-Ukhta oil refinery in Russia's Komi Republic, about 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles) from the Ukrainian border, a source in Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) told the Kyiv Independent.
HUR's comments confirm earlier reports from Russian media outlets and local officials that a refinery in Ukhta was struck by drones.
The attack marks Kyiv's first confirmed drone strike in Russia's northwestern Komi Republic.
Ukrainian drones hit the Lukoil-Ukhta refinery, which supplies Russian forces with fuel and lubricants, according to HUR. The refinery was targeted as part of a special operation by Ukraine's military intelligence.
The drones struck a petroleum tank, causing it to spill, HUR said. The attack also damaged a gas and gas condensate processing plant that produces propane-butane and gasoline.
Local residents also report power outages and mobile internet outages in Ukhta.
Earlier in the evening, local Telegram channels reported a drone attack in Ukhta targeting the Lukoil refinery, which authorities evacuated. The independent Russian media outlet Novaya Gazeta also said that flights at the airport were temporarily suspended.
Rostislav Goldshteyn, the acting head of the Komi Republic, said on social media that workers at enterprises in the drones' flight path were evacuated and that there were no casualties. He did not provide details on which enterprises were evacuated and did not mention an oil refinery in his post.
In June 2024, a large-scale fire was reported at the Lukoil refinery in Ukhta, though Russian officials said it was caused by "non-compliance with safety regulations" and not by a Ukrainian drone attack.
The Lukoil plant specializes in processing blended crudes from oilfields in the Komi Republic, shipped to the facility via the Usa-Ukhta pipeline.
The alleged strike on the Ukhta refinery comes shortly after reports that Ukrainian drones hit an oil refinery in Russia's Saratov Oblast on Aug. 10, causing explosions and a large fire.
Ukraine has deployed homemade long-range drones to hit oil depots, military sites, and airfields deep inside Russia, in an attempt to slowly grind down Russia's war machine.
Western nations have not lifted the ban on Ukraine using the long-range weapons they donated to launch deep strikes inside Russia, citing potential repercussions.
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