Novoshakhtinsk Oil Refinery in Russia on fire after attack – media

In Russia's Rostov region, the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery caught fire following an attack.

The Telegram channel ASTRA satated this in a post, Ukrinform reports.

According to the channel, on the afternoon of December 25, residents of Novoshakhtinsk reported a large number of explosions and a fire at the local oil refinery. ASTRA geolocated one of the eyewitness photos and confirmed that a large cloud of smoke was rising above the facility.

Later, the governor of the Rostov region, Yurii Sliusar, confirmed the attack and the fire but did not specify what exactly was burning.

"As a result of an air attack, explosions occurred on the territory of Novoshakhtinsk. According to preliminary information, there are no casualties. Information is being clarified. Emergency services are on site, and firefighting is underway," he said.

ASTRA geolocated another eyewitness video from the scene, again confirming that it was the Novoshakhtinsk Oil Refinery. The video was filmed from Parkova Street, approximately 2.2 kilometers from the fire.

The Novoshakhtinsk Oil Refinery (JSC NZNP) is a major oil processing enterprise in Russia's Rostov region. The plant specializes in refining oil and producing petroleum products, including fuel oil, marine fuel, and diesel. It is one of the largest suppliers of petroleum products in southern Russia.

As Ukrinform reported, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery began operating in 2009 and, before attacks by Ukrainian drones, accounted for 1.7% of Russia's refining capacity, or 5.6 million tonnes of petroleum products. Ukrainian drones first attacked the refinery in June 2022, with the most recent strikes recorded in August this year.

As a result of a Ukrainian drone strike on the night of December 25 at the port of Temryuk in Russia's Krasnodar region, near the Kerch area on the Sea of Azov, two petroleum storage tanks were damaged.

Illustrative photo