Russia battles refinery blaze after third Ukraine drone strike in 2 weeks

A Ukrainian drone strike triggered a “massive” fire at an oil refinery in Tuapse on Russia’s Black Sea coast, marking the third such attack on the facility in less than two weeks and underscoring Kyiv’s intensified campaign against Moscow’s energy infrastructure.

Ukrainian forces claimed responsibility for the latest strike, part of a broader effort to disrupt a sector that provides significant revenue for Vladimir Putin’s government. The refinery, a major export hub, produces roughly 240,000 barrels of oil products daily.

Speaking on Russian television, Putin said attacks on what he described as civilian infrastructure were becoming more frequent, pointing to the Tuapse facility as a recent example and warning of possible environmental risks.

Emergency response teams were deployed to contain the blaze, with Russia’s emergency situations minister, Aleksandr Kurenkov, describing conditions as “complicated but controllable.” Regional officials said additional personnel were being sent as firefighters worked to bring the fire under control.

Authorities indicated there was no immediate large-scale threat to nearby populations, though evacuations were ordered in areas surrounding the refinery. Officials also said an oil spill caused by the strike had been contained to prevent further spread into the Black Sea.

The Tuapse facility had already halted production earlier in April following a previous हमला, disrupting exports. Local officials report that repeated strikes on the site have killed at least three people.

The escalation has fueled frustration among residents, with some questioning why air defenses in the region have not been strengthened despite repeated attacks.

Moscow has accused Kyiv of worsening global energy market instability by targeting oil infrastructure, particularly amid disruptions linked to the conflict involving Iran. However, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed claims that such strikes significantly influence global oil prices.

The renewed attacks highlight the growing reach of Ukraine’s drone operations and the increasing vulnerability of Russia’s energy assets far from the front lines.