Major fire reported at oil terminal linked to Russia's Novoshakhtinsk refinery after suspected drone strike

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Fire Rages at Russian Oil Terminal Following Suspected Drone Strike

   A massive fire continues to burn at an oil-loading terminal linked to the Novoshakhtinsk refinery in Russia's Rostov region following a suspected drone strike. Ukrainian forces executed the attack utilizing upgraded drones, marking another direct hit on Russian energy infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Ukrainian strikes on two Russian oil refineries. Meanwhile, local Russian media downplayed the ongoing blaze at the Rostov facility by claiming that reeds were burning. The attack has disrupted operations at the crucial energy transit hub.

   Why it matters

   The strike on the Rostov oil hub represents an escalation in ongoing Ukrainian campaigns targeting critical Russian petroleum logistics and refining capacity. These attacks continue despite broader geopolitical tensions and diplomatic discussions involving international actors regarding fuel supplies. Repeated long-range drone operations consistently strain regional emergency response systems across southern Russia.

   What is confirmed

   • A major fire is burning at an oil terminal linked to Russia's Novoshakhtinsk refinery in the Rostov region following a suspected drone strike.
   • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Ukrainian strikes on two Russian oil refineries using upgraded drones.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Local media reports claim that the ongoing fire at the Rostov region terminal is merely burning reeds.
   • Ukrainian forces also struck a Gazprom oil refinery in Bashkortostan.

   What to watch next

   • Official assessments from Russian emergency services regarding the structural damage to the Novoshakhtinsk-linked terminal.
   • Further visual or satellite confirmation of the extent of the blaze in the Rostov region.
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. Reuters — What has been hit in Ukraine's attacks on Russian energy sites?
   2. Ukrinform — Ukrainian forces strike Gazprom oil refinery in Bashkortostan
   3. The Kyiv Independent — Major fire reported at oil terminal linked to Russia's Novoshakhtinsk refinery after suspected drone strike
   4. Українська правда — Zelenskyy confirms Ukrainian strikes on two Russian oil refineries: upgraded drones used – video
   5. Kyiv Post — Ukrainian Drones Strike Major Rostov Oil Hub, Sparking Blaze
   6. unn.ua — A large-scale fire is still raging at an oil-loading terminal in Russia’s Rostov region; the media report that it is “reeds burning.”
   7. news.qq.com — 特朗普6次警告都没用！美俄刚谈妥柴油供应，乌军转头就炸俄罗斯石油码头
   confidence 90%