Volgograd oil refinery, Rostov-on-Don production facility in flames following Ukrainian drone attack

On November 13, Ukrainian forces launched a drone attack targeting two significant oil facilities in Russia - a major refinery in Volgograd and a production facility in Rostov-on-Don. This strike occurred the day following trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi and is part of Ukraine's ongoing campaign to disrupt infrastructure that supports Russia's military efforts and curtail Moscow's oil revenues.

The Lukoil-Volgogradneftepererabotka refinery, one of Russia's largest refineries with an annual capacity of 15 million metric tons of crude oil processing, was reportedly engulfed in flames and under attack. Eye-witness footage showed towering flames illuminating the night sky and active Russian air defense systems responding to the drone strikes. Residents of Volgograd were seen lining up at gas stations following the attack, amidst Russian gas restrictions imposed due to Ukrainian energy attacks.

Volgograd's regional governor, Andrey Bocharov, confirmed the massive assault on the city and the resulting fires. The Lukoil refinery, owned by Russia's second-largest oil producer, Lukoil, is one of the largest facilities in the city. Earlier on October 2, Ukrainian forces had already targeted this facility, which is located approximately 400 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.

Meanwhile, to the southwest, in Rostov Oblast, Governor Yury Slyusar reported a Ukrainian attack on the city of Rostov-on-Don. Fires were reported at a production facility and warehouse, causing damage to a residential building as well. On November 8, a Ukrainian drone attack on Rostov-on-Don had caused traffic closures and blackouts in the city, following a prior strike on the same location on October 2.

The attacks are part of a series of drone strikes launched by Ukraine against Russian infrastructure. On November 12, Ukrainian drones also targeted Moscow, disrupting flight operations at several major airports. Earlier on November 11, Ukraine's Special Operations Forces confirmed a strike on Russia's largest oil refinery, located in Omsk.