Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed drone strikes on the Saratov oil refinery in Russia, approximately 700 kilometers from the front lines. In a Telegram message, he described the operation as a significant achievement.
Zelensky also reported additional strikes in the Rostov region and at a military base near the Caspian Sea. He emphasized that Ukraine’s Defense Forces are executing long-range missions in accordance with a strategic plan aimed at disrupting Russian military capabilities.
According to monitoring channels and the ASTRA Telegram channel, the Saratov refinery experienced substantial fires as a result of the attack, with smoke visible from various parts of the city. Roman Busargin, the governor of Saratov, acknowledged damage to civilian infrastructure but did not provide further details.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine later confirmed that the Saratov refinery was targeted during the night of May 31. Additionally, they reported damage to a component of Russia’s oil transport infrastructure, specifically the Lazarevo production-dispatch station in the Kirov region, which is responsible for pumping crude oil through the Surgut-Gorky-Polotsk pipeline.
The Saratov refinery is one of the oldest oil processing facilities in Russia, with an annual capacity of approximately 5.8 million tons, accounting for around 2.2% of the country’s total output. Its primary products include diesel fuel, gasoline, fuel oil, and jet fuel.
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, various targets within Russia have been subjected to aerial strikes. The General Staff of Ukraine has confirmed most of these attacks, stating that the Defense Forces are systematically implementing measures to diminish the combat potential of Russian occupying forces and to compel Russia to cease its armed aggression against Ukraine.
Ukrainian drone strikes have targeted the Saratov oil refinery and other infrastructure in Russia, marking a significant escalation in military operations. President Zelensky confirmed these actions as part of a broader strategy to weaken Russian military capabilities.