Russian Fuel Refinery Supplying Military Jets Smoking (Video)

Ukraine’s military intelligence launched another attack on a critical Russian oil refinery, striking the Novokuybyshevsk facility in Samara Oblast overnight on 10 March. The refinery plays a vital role in producing fuel for Russian military aircraft, including Su-27 fighter jets and Tu-22 bombers. The strike was recorded on surveillance cameras, with multiple explosions reported across the city.

Local residents described hearing loud detonations and feeling shockwaves that shook walls and windows. The Telegram channel City of Novokuybyshevsk reported that “several loud pops were heard in different parts of the city.” According to the Russian Telegram channel Shot, a UAV was spotted over the area before a powerful explosion occurred near the refinery. Eyewitnesses reported bright flashes in the sky, and preliminary assessments suggest that at least one Ukrainian drone was downed before reaching its target.

The refinery is one of the most significant oil-processing plants in Russia’s Samara region and is operated by the state-controlled Rosneft. It has an annual processing capacity of more than 8.8 million tons of oil and produces gasoline, diesel, and fuel oil essential for both civilian and military transport. The attack highlights Ukraine’s continued ability to target critical Russian infrastructure, even deep inside enemy territory.

The strike also exposed the vulnerability of Russia’s defences, as the facility was not adequately protected against drones. Samara Oblast residents reported loud explosions overnight, and a fire broke out at the refinery following the attack. Astra, an independent Russian news source, confirmed that the Rosneft facility was hit.

Russia’s Ministry of Defence claimed that its forces intercepted and shot down nine drones in total: three over Samara, two over Voronezh and Oryol, and one each over Belgorod and Kursk. However, the repeated success of Ukrainian strikes raises questions about the effectiveness of Russia’s air defences.

Novokuybyshevsk, which is approximately 900 kilometres from the Ukrainian front line, has now been attacked at least three times in March alone.