Ukrainian Drones Hit Russian Oil Refineries in Samara, Krasnodar

Ukrainian drones struck two major oil refineries in Russia overnight, hitting the Kuibyshev Oil Refinery in Samara and the Afipsky Oil Refinery in Krasnodar Krai, according to reports from regional officials and Ukrainian military sources.

Residents of Samara reported drones flying overhead after 3:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 28, followed by explosions at the Kuibyshev facility. Videos published on local Telegram channels, including Supernova+, showed a large fire and thick smoke rising from the site.

The governor of the Samara region confirmed the refinery was targeted, stating: “Our region has come under attack by enemy UAVs. Air defense systems and emergency services are responding. Temporary restrictions have been imposed on the arrival and departure of aircraft at Samara Airport. For the safety of citizens, limitations on mobile internet access have also been introduced.”

The Kuibyshev Oil Refinery, part of the Rosneft Oil Company group, is one of the region’s key oil-processing facilities.

In Krasnodar Krai, the Afipsky Oil Refinery was also struck in a separate drone operation carried out by Ukraine’s 14th Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Regiment in coordination with the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, according to Commander Robert “Madyar” Brovdi. He reported that the refinery, which processes 6.25 million tons of oil annually—over 2% of Russia’s total refining capacity—was hit by drones, triggering a fire.

Local witnesses in Afipsky described being woken around 3 a.m. by six to eight explosions. Videos published by the Astra and ChP Krasnodar Telegram channels showed flames at the facility. Emergency services deployed 21 personnel and 8 units of equipment to extinguish the fire, which covered an area of about 20 square meters.

Following the strikes, flight operations were suspended at airports in both Samara and Sochi.

The Afipsky facility is a key supplier of diesel fuel to Russia’s economy and military, and the twin refinery strikes mark another disruption to Russia’s energy infrastructure amid the ongoing conflict.