One of Russia's largest refineries in southern Urals hit by Ukrainian drones, SBU source confirms

Ukrainian drones attacked the Orsknefteorgsintez oil refinery in Russia's Orenburg Oblast on Oct. 3, a source in Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) told the Kyiv Independent.

The facility lies about 1,400 kilometers (870 miles) from Ukraine-controlled territory.

Founded in 1935, Orsknefteorgsintez is one of the oldest and largest refineries in the southern Urals, with an annual capacity of 6.6 million tons of crude oil.

Regional Governor Evgeny Solntsev confirmed the attack but claimed operations at the refinery were not disrupted. He said emergency services were working at the site.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims.

According to the SBU source, an evacuation was announced at the facility.

0:00 / 1× A fire broke out at the Orsknefteorgsintez oil refinery in Russia's Orenburg Oblast on Oct. 3, 2025. (SBU)

The facility produces motor gasoline, Euro 5 diesel, jet fuel, bitumen, and lubricants, serving as the only refinery in Orenburg Oblast and a key part of Russia's domestic energy network.

Ukraine has intensified drone strikes on Russian refineries in recent months.

"SBU continues to cause significant harm to the Russian economy by targeting facilities in the Russian oil and gas industry," the source said. "The reduction in oil dollar revenues to the budget directly affects the aggressor's ability to continue the war against Ukraine."

"Nearly 40% of Russia's oil refining capacity is currently out of operation."

Sixteen of Russia's 38 oil refineries have been targeted since August 2025, according to the Financial Times.

The attacks have pushed Russian diesel exports to their lowest level since 2020.