A fire has been burning for two consecutive days at an oil refinery in Saratov, Russia, following an attack by Ukrainian drones on the night of March 21. The incident has drawn attention due to its potential implications for the region’s energy supply.
Satellite imagery from March 21 indicates that approximately ten units of specialized equipment have been deployed to combat the blaze. However, as of midday on March 22, NASA satellites continue to detect elevated temperatures in the vicinity of the refinery, suggesting that Russian emergency services have yet to fully extinguish the fire.
The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed the attack, reporting damage to secondary oil processing units and vertical storage tanks at the facility. The Saratov refinery plays a crucial role in processing oil and producing fuel and lubricants for the Russian military, making it a strategic target.
Established as one of the oldest oil refineries in Russia, the Saratov facility had a processing capacity of 4.8 million tons as of 2023. This is not the first time the refinery has been targeted; previous drone strikes occurred on November 3, 2025, and September 16, 2025, resulting in fires and damage to processing installations.
Additionally, on August 10, 2025, Ukrainian drones, in coordination with other defense units, struck the refinery from a distance of approximately 600 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. That attack resulted in casualties, including one death and several injuries, as well as damage to residential and industrial structures.
A fire at the Saratov oil refinery continues after a drone attack by Ukraine, causing significant damage. The facility is vital for Russia's military operations and has been targeted multiple times in the past.