Drone Attack Sets One of Russia’s Largest Oil Refineries Ablaze in Ryazan

One of Russia’s largest oil refineries caught fire in the city of Ryazan following an overnight drone strike, according to Russian media outlet Astra.

Residents began reporting multiple explosions and the sound of drones flying over the city in the early hours of May 15.

Videos and photographs circulated by Russian monitoring Telegram channels showed large flames and thick black smoke rising above the refinery and surrounding areas.

Later, regional authorities confirmed damage to an industrial facility and several residential buildings in the city.

The governor of Ryazan region said three people were killed in the overnight attack, while another 12 sustained injuries, according to Astra.

The Ryazan Oil Refinery is part of the structure of the Russian state-controlled company Rosneft and is considered one of the largest oil-processing facilities in Russia, with an annual refining capacity of approximately 17 million tons of crude oil.

The refinery operates four primary oil distillation units, along with facilities for vacuum gas oil hydrotreating, cracking, catalytic reforming, and other refining processes.

The plant produces a broad range of petroleum products, including automotive gasoline, diesel fuel, aviation kerosene, fuel oil, liquefied gases, bitumen, and petrochemical feedstock.

Read more

Category

War in Ukraine

Mapping Ukraine’s Drone Campaign to Destroy Russia’s Oil Empire

Oct 29, 2025 15:09

This is not the first time drones have targeted the Ryazan oil refinery. According to the OSINT project Exilenova+ and Russian outlet Astra, the plant previously came under attack in November 2025.

Residents reported hearing multiple explosions across Ryazan and the surrounding area shortly after 2 a.m., while local Telegram channels described another apparent strike on the refinery complex.

Protect Ukrainian Skies

Subscribe to Sky Defense