In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, a Russian oil refinery was reportedly targeted by over 100 rockets overnight, causing significant damage and prompting concerns among local residents. Eyewitness accounts emerged from the Ilysk oil refinery in the Krasnodar region, where explosions were heard, and residential buildings sustained damage.
Reports indicate that a fire broke out at the Ilysk facility, with speculation that another refinery, the Afipsky, may have also been struck. The monitoring channel Exilenova+ detailed the extent of the strikes, which appeared to involve reactive weaponry.
One local resident described the scene: “Rockets are flying… over 100 have already hit. It’s hell over there.” Another commented on the ongoing conflict, expressing frustration at the Russian government: “This is war. When will our stupid government end it?”.
According to the Russian publication Astra, the attack commenced around midnight, with residents confirming the sound of explosions and air defense systems operating in the area. However, official air raid alerts were delayed by approximately two hours.
Analysis of footage from witnesses indicated that the Ilysk refinery, named after A.A. Shamar, is a critical facility in the region, capable of processing approximately 6.6 million tons of oil annually. Its products are vital for supplying Russian military operations and are delivered via the Transneft pipeline system.
In addition to the strikes in Krasnodar, reports have emerged of drone attacks causing damage to industrial sites and residential buildings in the Rostov region.
Exilenova+ also reported an attack on the Azov Optical Mechanical Plant, which produces goods for the defense sector, with NASA FIRMS noting fire outbreaks near the facility.
Furthermore, explosions were reported in Bryansk, adding to the wave of attacks across Russia amid the ongoing conflict.
Context
- Since the beginning of 2024, Ukraine has intensified its strikes on oil and gas facilities within Russian territory. President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Ukraine has no choice but to retaliate against Russian aerial attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
- On September 13, former U.S. President Donald Trump urged Ukraine to cease its destruction of diesel supplies in Russia, citing concerns for peace, a sentiment welcomed by the Kremlin.
- The following day, Trump suggested that an agreement to halt mutual attacks on energy infrastructure had been reached between Ukraine and Russia. Zelensky clarified that any cessation would likely exclude attacks on energy, port, logistics, and food supply infrastructure, indicating that Ukraine expects concrete proposals from its partners.
- As of September 14, final agreements regarding the cessation of strikes were still reportedly in preparation.
