Long-Range Drones Hit Russian Refinery and Pipeline Hub 1,500 km From Ukraine’s Border

Long-range drones targeted Russia’s oil infrastructure on April 29, striking an oil refinery in the Orenburg region and a key pipeline facility in the Perm region.

According to the Russian Telegram channel Astra on April 29, citing geolocated eyewitness footage, the attack in the Orenburg region likely hit the Orsknefteorgsintez refinery—one of the largest oil processing facilities in the area.

Orenburg region governor Yevgeny Solntsev confirmed that “several industrial enterprises” were targeted, stating that four drones were “shot down” and that no casualties were reported. Temporary flight restrictions were also introduced at Orsk airport.

According to Astra, OSINT analysts identified the likely strike location based on video filmed near Groznenskaya Street, within walking distance of the refinery. Local authorities, including Orsk mayor Artyom Vorobyov, warned residents to stay indoors and avoid windows during the attack.

The Orsknefteorgsintez refinery has a processing capacity of nearly 6 million tons of oil per year and produces gasoline, diesel fuel, fuel oil, and aviation kerosene. The facility is part of the ForteInvest holding, linked to Russian businessman Mikhail Gutseriev.

In a separate incident, drones also struck infrastructure in Russia’s Perm region. According to Perm region governor Dmitry Makhonin, one of the industrial sites in the Perm municipal district was hit, causing a fire. He said workers were evacuated and no injuries were reported.

According to the OSINT monitoring channel Exilenova+ on April 29, the strike in the Perm region likely targeted the “Perm” linear production dispatch station (LPDS), a critical node in Russia’s Transneft pipeline system responsible for oil transportation, storage, and distribution.

Eyewitness footage circulating online showed large plumes of black smoke and what observers described as “oil rain” in the area near the village of Bashkultaevo.

The Transneft system connects multiple refineries and export routes, including flows toward the Perm refinery and other industrial centers, making such facilities strategically important for Russia’s energy logistics. The reported strikes in Orsk and Perm occurred at distances exceeding 1,500 kilometers.

Earlier, Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces commander Robert “Magyar” Brovdi said in an interview with the BBC on April 27 that areas 1,500–2,000 km inside Russia are no longer a “peaceful rear,” as long-range drones increasingly target critical infrastructure, including energy facilities linked to Russia’s war effort.

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