In the early hours of May 31, Ukrainian defense units struck the Saratov Oil Refinery, a significant facility located in the Volga region of Russia. The attack resulted in a large fire at the site, which is known to be a crucial part of the Russian oil processing industry.
The Saratov Refinery, owned by Rosneft, has a processing capacity of approximately 7 million tons of oil annually. It produces gasoline, diesel, and other fuels that are essential for the military logistics of the Russian state.
Details regarding the extent of the damage are still being assessed. In addition to the refinery, Ukrainian forces also targeted several other strategic locations:
- The Lazarevo linear production dispatch station in the Kirov region, which is responsible for pumping crude oil through the Surgut-Gorky-Polotsk pipeline;
- A fuel and lubricants storage facility in Matveyev Kurgan, Rostov region;
- A command and observation point in Begoshcha, Kursk region;
- Drone control points in Kalynove, Donetsk region, and Grafovka, Belgorod region;
- A workshop for enemy drones in Donetsk;
- Concentration areas for enemy personnel in Donetsk and Zhelanne, Donetsk region.
Furthermore, preliminary reports confirm that on May 30, three fuel storage tanks were hit at a maritime oil terminal near Feodosia in the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea, as well as a gas storage facility in Yenakiieve, also in the temporarily occupied Donetsk region. These sites were utilized by Russian forces to support their military operations.
Ukrainian forces have targeted the Saratov Oil Refinery and other military infrastructure in Russia, causing significant damage. The refinery is crucial for Russian military logistics, and the attacks indicate a strategic focus on disrupting supply lines.