Major Russian Oil Hub in Saratov Erupts in Flames After Overnight Drone Strike

A major fire has broken out at the Saratov Oil Refinery in Russia following an overnight drone attack, according to Russian media ASTRA.

The incident occurred around 3:00 a.m. local time on August 10. Local residents reported hearing multiple explosions in the city of Saratov and nearby Engels, followed by thick black smoke rising over the refinery area.

Footage shows flames and a dense column of smoke, while NASA’s FIRMS satellite data confirmed a significant heat signature at 03:54, indicating an active blaze that was still ongoing hours later.

The Saratov refinery, owned by Rosneft, is one of Russia’s largest oil-processing facilities. In 2024, it processed approximately 5.8 million tons of crude oil, producing gasoline, diesel, fuel oil, bitumen, vacuum gas oil, and technical sulfur.

This output accounted for about 2.2% of Russia’s total refining volume.

Russian outlet SHOT reported at least eight explosions during the attack, with air defense systems allegedly engaged. Temporary flight restrictions were imposed at Saratov’s airport ahead of the strike.

According to Ukraine’s General Staff, the country’s Armed Forces, in coordination with other components of the Defense Forces, carried out the strike on the Saratov Oil Refinery—a key facility in Russia’s fuel infrastructure supplying its forces.

The refinery’s annual capacity is up to 7 million tons of crude oil. The General Staff stated that such operations aim to reduce Russia’s military-economic potential and bring an end to its armed aggression.

Earlier, Ukrainian drones struck a Shahed storage facility in Tatarstan’s Kzyl-Yul settlement, about 1,300 kilometers from Ukraine, targeting drones and foreign-made components, according to the Security Service of Ukraine.

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