Drones Reportedly Hit Russian Oil Plant in Komi, Over 1,000 Miles From Ukraine, in First-Ever Strike

Unconfirmed reports indicate that drones have struck the city of Ukhta in Russia’s Komi Republic on August 10, marking the first known incident of this kind in the region.

According to local Telegram channels, several loud explosions occurred near Sevastopolskaya Street, prompting a large-scale emergency response at the Ukhta oil refinery.

Following the blasts, residents reported disruptions to electricity and mobile internet in parts of Ukhta and neighboring areas, as well as the temporary evacuation of a shopping center. Similar internet outages were noted in Syktyvkar, with local sources suggesting that restrictions were applied within a 5–10 kilometer radius of strategic sites.

Video circulating on Russian social media appears to show drones flying over the city shortly before the explosions.

While there has been no official confirmation of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) strike, the local emergency dispatch service stated there were no fires or leaks at the refinery and urged residents to remain calm.

The Komi Republic, located more than 1,500 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, had not previously been the target of reported drone activity during the current Russia’s war. The Ukhta Airport has temporarily limited flight operations.

Earlier, a major fire broke out at the Saratov Oil Refinery in Russia following an overnight drone strike, according to Ukraine’s General Staff. Multiple explosions were reported, and NASA satellite data confirmed the blaze, which damaged one of Russia’s largest oil-processing facilities supplying its military.

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