Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed strikes on strategic facilities in Russia’s Samara and Saratov oblasts that support Russian military operations, according to an official statement on 20 September. The operations were conducted by Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces and Special Operations Forces.
The Saratov oil refinery in Saratov city sustained damage from the attack, with explosions and fires reported at the facility. The refinery processes approximately 2.54% of Russia’s total oil refining capacity, handling over 7 million tons of crude oil annually, the General Staff reported.
Ukrainian forces also targeted the Novokuybyshevsk oil refinery in the Samara Oblast, where explosions and fires were confirmed. This facility processes over 8.8 million tons of crude oil per year.
The operations extended to critical infrastructure, with Special Operations Forces striking the Samara Linear Production Dispatch Station in Prosvet, Samara Oblast. This facility handles the mixing of high- and low-sulfur crude oil from various fields to create the Urals export grade, accounting for up to 50% of Russia’s total oil exports.
“All targeted facilities are involved in supporting the Russian armed forces,” the General Staff reported in their statement.
Local Russian officials acknowledged the attacks but provided limited details. Saratov Oblast Governor Roman Busargin said that a residential building was damaged and one person was injured during the attack on Saratov.
Flight restrictions were imposed at Samara airport due to drone threats, with limitations on aircraft arrivals and departures implemented as a precautionary measure.
The strikes represent the latest in a series of Ukrainian operations targeting Russian energy infrastructure. The Novokuybyshevsk refinery has been hit multiple times by Ukrainian drones in previous operations.
Russian regional governors in Volgograd and Rostov also reported drone activity. Volgograd Oblast Governor Andrey Bocharov said drone debris fell in several districts of the regional center and one district of the oblast, with no casualties reported. Rostov Oblast Governor Yuri Slyusar claimed the drone attack was repelled, though private homes and agricultural enterprises sustained damage, along with grass fires and power outages.