Drones and missiles strike energy and oil infrastructure in Ukraine and Russia

Russian and Ukrainian drones and missiles have targeted energy and oil infrastructure in both Ukraine and Russia. These strikes have caused fires and equipment damage at several facilities, including a Naftogaz site in Ukraine and a major oil transport hub in Russia.

Strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities

Russian drones struck a Naftogaz facility in Poltava Oblast, located in Central Ukraine, which resulted in a fire. No casualties occurred at the Naftogaz facility because workers were in a shelter during the attack. Naftogaz reported that Russian attacks on its infrastructure have become almost daily over the past week. On November 11, Russian drones struck a Naftogaz facility in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, causing a fire and equipment damage. On November 12, two Russian missiles struck a Naftogaz oil and gas facility in Chernihiv Oblast.

In response to the ongoing instability, Ukrainian authorities have developed 24 scenarios to cover national energy needs during the winter period. These measures aim to secure electricity and natural gas supplies as the season approaches.

Damage to Russian oil infrastructure

Long-range drones operated by the Alpha Special Operations Center of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) struck the Samara linear production and dispatch station near Prosvet in Samara Oblast, Russia. The Samara station serves as a key hub in the Russian oil transport system, receiving oil from Tatarstan and Western Siberia via pipelines. This facility mixes oil with varying sulfur content to produce Urals grade export oil.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported a fire and damage to several storage tanks at the Samara facility. The Samara facility covers over 216 hectares and contains 71 storage tanks with a total capacity exceeding 1.6 million cubic meters. On October 7, four storage tanks, each with a capacity of 50,000 cubic meters, burned during an attack in Samara. As of October 11, approximately 40% of the Samara storage system was reported damaged or destroyed.

Impact on fuel and military logistics

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine announced that five major Russian oil refineries have been attacked since October 30. According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, strikes on primary oil processing facilities limit fuel for the Russian army and reduce war financing, noting that distance no longer provides protection.

The disruptions to refining and storage may have significant economic implications. Data suggests that 55% of Russian gasoline production could potentially be affected by refinery strikes. Furthermore, the Samara facility plays a critical role in international trade, as Urals grade oil is a major component of Russian exports.

Glossary

• Naftogaz — Naftogaz is a company in Ukraine. It operates energy infrastructure, including oil and gas facilities.
• Samara Oblast — Samara Oblast is a region in Russia. It contains the Samara linear production and dispatch station, which serves as a key hub in the Russian oil transport system.
• General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine — The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is a military organization. It provides reports regarding attacks on oil refineries and the impact of strikes on fuel for the Russian army.