Ukrainian Drones Rip Into Ozon Logistics Center and Novokuybyshevsk Oil Refinery

Ukrainian defense forces struck an Ozon logistics complex for the first time while also hitting the Novokuybyshevsk Oil Refinery in Russia’s Samara region, triggering major fires at both facilities, according to Ukrainian defense technology company Fire Point who confirmed the strike on August 22.

Russian media outlet ASTRA also reported the attacks after analyzing footage and other open-source material from the area.

The Ozon logistics center in Chapayevsk was engulfed in a large fire following the drone strike. By around 7:30 a.m., flames had reportedly spread across much of the sprawling warehouse complex.

The facility covers roughly 135,000 square meters and opened in late October 2022, making it one of Ozon’s newer major logistics hubs.

Ozon is one of Russia’s largest online marketplaces, operating on a model similar to Amazon and selling everything from everyday consumer goods to electronics and industrial equipment.

The platform also carries products with potential dual-use or military applications, including drones and components, communications equipment, thermal-imaging devices and tactical gear, some of which have been purchased for Russian troops fighting against Ukraine.

The complex is located near two facilities linked to Russia’s defense industry, including Promsintez, which manufactures industrial explosives, and another defense-related plant in the Chapayevsk industrial area.

Footage from the scene showed a towering column of dark smoke rising above the Ozon facility as the fire continued to spread.

Ukrainian drones also targeted the Novokuybyshevsk Oil Refinery elsewhere in the Samara region. Images and videos circulating online showed several areas of fire and thick smoke over the industrial site following the attack.

The refinery, part of Russia’s Rosneft group, is one of the major oil-processing facilities in the Volga region and has repeatedly come under Ukrainian drone attacks during Kyiv’s campaign against infrastructure supporting Russia’s war effort.

Ukraine already put seven of the ten largest logistics centers operated by Russian e-commerce company Wildberries, OZON rival, out of operation.

Wildberries facilities in Domodedovo and at the Koledino industrial park were among the sites affected. The Koledino facility, covering approximately 250,000 square meters, was the company’s largest warehouse by area.

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