The Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery, the sole facility of its kind in the Rostov Region, has been struck by a joint operation involving the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Ukrainian Navy, the General Staff has confirmed. The refinery, a critical supplier of fuel for the Russian armed forces, was targeted with Ukraine-produced drones and missiles, resulting in a large-scale fire and significant damage to its infrastructure.
The ELOU-AVT-2.5 catalytic cracking unit, essential for producing liquefied petroleum gases and various fuels, was heavily damaged. SBU drones first overwhelmed Russian air defences, creating an opening for missile strikes. A fire broke out across a large area of the refinery, with multiple sources of ignition visible in video footage.
The facility refines up to 7.5 million tonnes of oil annually, producing fuel oil, heating oil, marine and diesel fuel, and straight-run petrol — all essential for Russia’s war efforts.
“Today’s special operation demonstrates the effectiveness and power of Ukrainian weapons in disrupting enemy logistics and degrading its ability to wage war,” the SBU has stated.