Explosion Rocks One of Russia's Largest Refineries in Major Aerial Strike [View all]

Source: Newsweek

Published Jan 12, 2025 at 4:56 AM EST


Ukraine attacked an oil refinery in western Russia on Saturday, according to a Ukrainian official and Russian sources. Kyiv struck the Taneco oil refinery in Russia's Tatarstan region, Andriy Kovalenko, an official with Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, said in a statement. Newsweek has reached out to the Russian Defense Ministry for comment via email.

Why It Matters

The facility is one of Russia's "largest and most modern refineries," able to process more than 16 million tons of oil each year, Kovalenko said. Kyiv also attacked the site, located in the city of Nizhnekamsk, in April 2024, damaging the plant's main processing unit, according to the official.

Ukraine has doggedly targeted Russia's oil facilities, attempting to cut off Moscow's access to supplies propping up its war effort.

The Taneco plant "plays a key role in providing fuel to the Russian army," Kovalenko said. "Knocking out refineries and oil depots directly affects the Russian Federation's ability to wage an intensive war."

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/ukraine-drone-attack-russia-tatarstan-oil-refinery-taneco-2013618