Russian Oil Refinery Shuts Down for Months After Ukrainian Drone Strike

A Russian oil refinery, over 800 miles from Ukraine, has been completely shut down following a Ukrainian drone strike on August 11, according to the regional governor. The Orsknefteorgsintez refinery, located in Orsk, Orenburg Oblast, can process approximately 6 million metric tons of crude oil each year. Ukraine's General Staff confirmed the facility was the target of the attack.

Orenburg Governor Yevgeny Solntsev stated that the strike damaged "key infrastructure" that cannot currently be restored, with repairs potentially taking up to six months due to the imported nature of the equipment and current sanctions. The plant has been entirely shut down, with the extent of the damage yet to be independently verified.

The shutdown adds to the ongoing campaign by Ukraine against Russia's oil infrastructure, targeting refineries, fuel depots, and other facilities deep within Russian territory. This includes long-range strikes on Russia's energy sector, which have intensified since 2026, aiming to disrupt fuel supplies that support Moscow's war efforts and intensify economic pressure.

The ongoing strikes have led to fuel shortages, price hikes, sales restrictions, and export curbs across various regions in Russia. Solntsev informed that Orenburg Oblast is preparing for possible prolonged fuel shortages, with around 80% of the region's 287 gas stations still operational. In a follow-up strike on August 13, Ukraine targeted the Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat refinery complex in Bashkortostan.