Ukrainian drones attacked the Afipsky oil refinery in Russia's Krasnodar Krai overnight on Friday, causing explosions and fires, according to the Exilenova Plus Telegram channel.
A series of explosions was heard at the facility, after which a fire broke out. Thick smoke was seen drifting from the site toward Krasnodar. Explosions were also reported in the neighboring Republic of Adygea. Fires were also reported in the Adygea Republic.
Local authorities in the town of Afipsky confirmed a fire at an enterprise due to "falling debris" but did not name the facility. They reported no casualties. Drone fragments damaged windows in an apartment building. Russian officials have not officially confirmed the attack.
The Afipsky refinery is one of the largest in southern Russia, with a design capacity of more than six million tonnes of oil per year. It produces fuel supplied to the Russian Armed Forces. The European Union sanctioned the facility in April for its role in Russia's war against Ukraine.
Another wave of strikes targeted the site in the early morning hours, and additional explosions were reported outside Krasnodar city. Alarms continued to sound in Krasnodar and the surrounding area while the refinery and another location on the outskirts of the city burned. A fire was also visible on the outskirts of Krasnodar with the refinery burning in the background.
Ukraine regularly strikes military targets deep within Russia in an effort to diminish Moscow's ability to continue waging its war. The refinery has been targeted repeatedly in recent months, with attacks reported on Aug. 25, July 14 and June 10.
