An underground network of Russians says it’s helped Ukraine hit nine refineries. Almost everything we know about the group comes from one man — a former Gazprom executive.

Former Gazprom executive Igor Volobuev has revealed that the underground network Black Spark has assisted Ukraine in targeting nine Russian oil refineries. Volobuev, who now fights for Ukraine as a drone operator in the Ukrainian army, explained that Black Spark reached out to the Ukrainian military voluntarily, providing critical information on vulnerable sections of Russian refineries.

Ukraine vetted the group's members and subsequently began collaborating. The group identifies critical refineries and shares this information with the Ukrainian military to coordinate strikes. Black Spark operates independently of the Ukrainian military and focuses on infiltrating Russian refineries to weaken Putin's regime, with its name symbolizing the belief that striking Russia's oil industry is vital.

The movement comprises middle-class Russians, with some having Ukrainian roots and combat experience, who fund its activities. Black Spark has its own Telegram channel, website, and social media presence, aiming to establish a public profile to recruit new members.