Ukrainian Drones Target Key Russian Refinery in Major Strike on Military Fuel Supply

Drones targeted the Novokuybyshevsk oil refinery in Russia’s Samara region overnight, according to reports from local sources and officials on March 10.

Russian Telegram channel Astra initially reported loud explosions in the region, citing local residents. According to preliminary information, drones attacked the Novokuybyshevsk refinery, which is part of the state-owned Rosneft group. Telegram channels also reported a fire at the facility.

Authorities in Samara later confirmed the attack but claimed it was “unsuccessful,” stating that three drones were intercepted and that “no fires or damage occurred, and operations continue as normal.”

However, Russian media outlet RBC later reported a 1,500-square-meter warehouse fire in Novokuybyshevsk, though it is unclear whether it was related to the drone strike.

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Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, confirmed that drones did indeed target the refinery. He noted that the facility has an annual capacity of 8.8 million tons of oil, making it one of Russia’s ten largest refineries. It produces gasoline, diesel, and fuel oil, all critical for military transport and operations.

“The refinery is of strategic importance to the Russian army, ensuring a stable fuel supply for military operations,” Kovalenko stated.

A year ago, the refinery was already targeted by a drone attack.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed its air defenses intercepted and destroyed nine Ukrainian drones overnight, including three over Samara, two each over Voronezh and Oryol, and one over Belgorod and Kursk regions.

Earlier, it was reported that Ukraine is actively discussing a third operation targeting the Crimean Bridge, according to Vice Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa, Commander of the Ukrainian Navy.