Satellite images show Russian oil refinery in flames after Ukrainian drone attack

Satellite images obtained by the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty investigative project Schemes show the fire that broke out on the night of June 18 as a result of a Ukrainian drone attack on oil depots in the Russian Rostov Oblast.

In recent months, Ukrainian Armed Forces have started a series of drone attacks aimed at damaging Russia’s oil industrywhose profits Moscow’s war effort.

One of the images shows a large fire still burning hours after the attack. The attack was carried out by drones of the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU), a source in the security and defense forces told the Kyiv Independent on June 18.

According to Schemes, the depot in the city of Azov is operated by “Azovproduct” and can store up to 30,000 tons of oil products.

Further details on the damage caused are not yet available.

“The SBU will continue to enforce ‘drone sanctions’ against the Russian oil refining complex and reduce the enemy’s economic potential, which will provide the aggressor with resources for waging war against Ukraine,” the source told the Kyiv Independent.

According to local Telegram channels, residents reported hearing explosions and footage of the fire was shared on social media.

The source said the explosions were heard near the city’s railway station and the port where the oil depots are located.

In total, the SBU carried out 20 successful attacks on Russian oil industry facilities in various regions, the source said.

Other previous attacks have been linked to the Ukrainian Military Intelligence Service (HUR) or the armed forces.

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