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Ukrainian Drones Strike Hit Major Russian Refinery That Processes 5% of the Country’s Oil
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![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
Ukrainian strike drones hit a major Russian oil refinery in Kstovo, Nizhny Novgorod region, Russian media outlet Astra reported on May 20.
The attack targeted the Lukoil-Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez refinery, one of Russia’s largest oil-processing facilities. Although the drone threat had reportedly been announced as early as 2:25 am, the actual strikes occurred later in the morning.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine later confirmed the attack.
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According to an analysis of available photos and videos by the OSINT community Exilenova+, the drones struck the ELOU AVT-6 primary oil refining unit, triggering a fire at the site.
Despite reports of flames at the facility, Nizhny Novgorod regional governor Gleb Nikitin had not publicly commented on the consequences of the strike at the time of reporting.
This morning, 800km distance from Ukraine, Russia's Kstovo Lukoil refinery fell victim to Moscow's severe and worsening lack of air defenses, with Ukrainian drones freely targeting the facility's AVT-6 atmospheric oil distillation unit. pic.twitter.com/PVu51W8CUE
— SPRAVDI — Stratcom Centre (@StratcomCentre) May 20, 2026
The Lukoil-Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez refinery is one of Russia’s most important refining assets. Its installed capacity is about 17 million tons of oil per year, while in 2022, the plant processed 15.7 million tons of crude.
That volume represents roughly 5% of Russia’s total oil refining capacity, making the Kstovo refinery the fourth-largest oil refinery in the country by output.
The strike comes as Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian oil refineries and fuel infrastructure, aiming to increase economic and logistical pressure on Moscow and force the Kremlin toward meaningful negotiations.
By targeting facilities that help finance and sustain Russia’s war effort, Kyiv is seeking to raise the cost of continued aggression and weaken Russia’s ability to fuel both its military and domestic war economy.
During the same night, drones attacked Nevinnomyssk Azot, the largest chemical plant in southern Russia, reportedly triggering a fire at the facility in Stavropol Krai.
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