Ukrainian Drone Strike Ignites Major Fire at Russia’s Rosneft Ryazan Oil Refinery
A massive Ukrainian drone strike triggered a fire at the Rosneft Ryazan oil refinery in Russia, according to local officials and military commanders.
POLICY WIRE — Ryazan, Russia — A large-scale Ukrainian drone offensive targeted Russia’s Ryazan region, igniting a significant fire at an industrial oil facility. Regional Governor Pavel Malkov confirmed the incident, noting that emergency crews deployed immediately to the location.
Malkov reported that falling debris from intercepted drones sparked the blaze at one of the facility’s units. Initial assessments indicated no casualties, while authorities launched evaluations to determine the extent of the material damage.
The targeted facility is Rosneft’s Ryazan oil refinery, one of the largest crude processing plants in the country. The industrial complex boasts an annual processing capacity exceeding 17 million tons and sold 13 million tons of fuel the previous year, playing a critical role in supporting Russian military logistics.
Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s Drone Systems Forces, verified that an oil refinery in Ryazan Oblast was struck overnight on Nov. 20. Brovdi stated that the operation was executed by the 1st Separate Center for Unmanned Systems known as Magyar’s Birds.
Local air defenses engaged multiple aerial incursions over the Russian city as residents reported hearing more than ten explosions near the refinery. Online footage and eyewitness accounts captured thick smoke and flames illuminating the night sky.
Russia’s Defense Ministry stated that air defense units intercepted 14 Ukrainian drones over Ryazan Oblast during the overnight hours. The refinery has faced multiple aerial attacks throughout 2026.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
