Key facts
- Ukraine reportedly struck two Russian oil refineries in Krasnodar Krai and Samara Oblast.
- Fires were reported at the Ilsky Oil Refinery and the Syzran Oil Refinery.
- Russian authorities confirmed damage to a technological unit at the Krasnodar refinery.
- Ukraine launched a drone attack on Belgorod, reportedly injuring 13 people and damaging residential buildings.
- The city of Belgorod is located near Ukraine's northeastern border and has been a frequent target of Ukrainian attacks.
Ukraine's military reportedly launched drone attacks on two Russian oil refineries, the Ilsky Oil Refinery in Krasnodar Krai and the Syzran Oil Refinery in Samara Oblast, causing fires and damage. Ukraine's General Staff claimed responsibility for the strikes on August 8, noting the refineries' capacities and their support for the Russian military. The Ilsky refinery has an annual crude oil processing capacity of 6.6 million metric tons, while the Syzran refinery, owned by Rosneft, has a capacity of 8.5 million metric tons annually. Russian authorities confirmed damage to a technological unit at the Krasnodar refinery, with the fire covering approximately 300 square meters and leading to worker evacuations. The Syzran refinery was reportedly targeted for a second time. These attacks are part of Ukraine's broader strategy to target Russia's energy infrastructure, with 10 refineries reportedly struck in August, disabling facilities representing 17% of the nation's processing capacity. Additionally, a separate drone attack reportedly targeted the Russian city of Belgorod overnight on August 9, causing fires at residential buildings and injuring 13 people, according to acting Governor Alexander Shuvaev. Belgorod's proximity to the Ukrainian border makes it a frequent target.