Ukrainian drone strikes have disrupted operations at Russia’s Kuibyshevsk refinery, operated by Rosneft, according to sources cited by Reuters. The attack reportedly disabled both of the refinery’s main crude distillation units — CDU-4 and CDU-5 — each capable of processing 70,000 barrels of crude oil per day. The incident underscores the escalating use of drone warfare in the region, with critical infrastructure increasingly becoming a target.
Rosneft, one of Russia’s largest oil companies, has not yet issued an official statement on the damage or the extent of the disruption. However, industry analysts suggest that the loss of these two units could lead to a temporary reduction in oil production, affecting both domestic supply and export capacity. The refinery’s shutdown also raises concerns about the vulnerability of energy infrastructure to asymmetric warfare tactics.
While the exact timing and scope of the strikes remain unclear, the attack highlights the ongoing impact of the conflict on Russian energy operations. With the war in Ukraine continuing to strain Russia’s resources, such incidents may further complicate its ability to maintain energy output and meet international demand. The long-term effects of these strikes on Russia’s energy sector and global oil markets are yet to be fully assessed.