Ukrainian forces reportedly strike Russia's second-largest oil refinery in overnight drone attack

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1. 15m ago

   Ukrainian drones strike Russia's second-largest oil refinery near St. Petersburg

   A Ukrainian drone attack on the night of November 8-9 set fire to the Kirishi Petroleum Organic Synthesis plant (Kinef) in the Leningrad region, roughly 800 km north of Ukraine. Russian authorities reported 113 drones over the region and claimed 81 were intercepted. Governor Aleksandr Drozdenko confirmed large explosions and a fire at the facility, which is Russia's second-largest refinery. At least one woman was killed by falling debris. Ukraine's General Staff confirmed damage to three production workshops at the plant. The strike occurred as Russian, Ukrainian and U.S. negotiators prepared for their first peace talks since February.

   Why it matters

   The attack extends a week-long campaign targeting Russian energy infrastructure, with Kyiv hitting at least six oil plants in seven days. These strikes aim to degrade Russia's fuel supply for its military and export revenue. The Kirishi refinery processes about 340,000 barrels per day, making it a critical node in Russia's refining network. The timing, one day before scheduled three-way peace talks, signals Ukraine's intent to leverage battlefield pressure during diplomacy.

   What is confirmed

   • Ukrainian drones attacked the Kirishi Petroleum Organic Synthesis plant (Kinef) in the Leningrad region overnight November 8-9.
   • The facility is Russia's second-largest oil refinery, located about 800 km north of Ukraine.
   • Leningrad region Governor Aleksandr Drozdenko reported 113 drones over the region and large explosions at the plant.
   • Russian air defenses claimed to have intercepted 81 drones over the Leningrad region.
   • At least one woman was killed by falling drone debris, according to Russian authorities.
   • Ukraine's General Staff confirmed damage to three production workshops at the facility.
   • The attack occurred one day before Russian, Ukrainian and U.S. negotiators were scheduled to hold peace talks.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The refinery fire has been fully extinguished.
   • Ukraine used a new type of long-range drone for this strike.

   What to watch next

   • Extent of damage to refining capacity and timeline for repairs
   • Russian retaliatory strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure
   • Outcome of three-way peace talks scheduled for November 10
   Sources used for this update (13)

   1. kyivindependent.com — The Kyiv Independent — News from Ukraine, Eastern Europe
   2. The Daily Beast — Putin Humiliated With Explosive Double Blow
   3. Reuters — Renewed refinery attacks deplete Russian diesel supply as US deal in focus
   4. Bloomberg.com — Kyiv Hits Sixth Russian Oil Plant in a Week as Campaign Picks Up
   5. The Kyiv Independent — Ukrainian forces reportedly strike Russia's second-largest oil refinery in overnight drone attack
   6. Kyiv Post — Ukraine Strikes Russia’s Second-Largest Oil Refinery as 113 Drones Hit Leningrad Region
   7. www.kyivpost.com — Ukraine Strikes Russia’s Second-Largest Oil Refinery and ...
   8. kyivindependent.com — Ukraine strikes Russia's second-largest oil refinery in overnight drone attack, Russian governor says
   9. www.rferl.org — Ukrainian Drone Strike Sets Russia's Second-Largest Oil Refinery Ablaze
   10. www.themoscowtimes.com — Ukrainian Drone Attack Kills Woman, Sparks Fire at Leningrad Region Refinery
   11. www.aljazeera.com — At least four people killed as Russia and Ukraine trade ...
   12. openthemagazine.com — Ukrainian Drones Target Russia's Kinef Oil Refinery Amid ...
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