Ukraine’s Drones Reach Perm, Targeting a Russian Refinery Processing 13 Million Tons a Year

Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil refinery in the Russian city of Perm, with thick black smoke seen rising from the facility more than 1,500 kilometers, or roughly 930 miles, from the front line, according to the Exilenova+ OSINT community on August 21.

Perm is home to LUKOIL-Permnefteorgsintez, one of Russia’s largest oil refineries and a key industrial facility in the Perm region.

Footage published by residents showed a dense column of black smoke rising from what appeared to be a fire on the refinery grounds following the attack.

Russian authorities declared a drone threat in the region during the morning, while Perm airport temporarily suspended operations. Residents also reported hearing air raid sirens and explosions across the city.

The refinery is located more than 1,500 kilometers from the front line, highlighting the growing reach of Ukraine’s long-range drone campaign against Russian energy infrastructure.

LUKOIL-Permnefteorgsintez has a designed processing capacity of approximately 13 million metric tons of crude oil per year, making it one of Russia’s largest refining facilities.

The plant produces gasoline, diesel fuel, aviation kerosene, lubricants, and other petroleum products. It also processes associated petroleum gas.

Its products supply Russia’s domestic market and were also used for exports before Ukrainian strikes began putting increasing pressure on the country’s refining sector.

Previously, Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil refinery in Nizhnekamsk, Russia’s Republic of Tatarstan, marking another attack on Russia’s refining industry just a day after a key processing unit was hit at a major refinery in Ufa.

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