Ukraine strikes one of Russia's top oil refineries, causing explosions and sparking fire

Ukrainian drones struck one of Russia’s largest oil refineries overnight into Sunday, causing explosions and sparking a fire, according to both Ukraine’s military and Russian officials.

The strike targeted the Kirishi refinery, in Russia's northwestern Leningrad region, and is the latest in a string of Ukrainian attacks targeting Russian oil infrastructure, which Kyiv says fuels the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine..

The facility, operated by Russian oil giant Surgutneftegas, produces close to 18 million metric tonnes of crude oil per year, and is one of Russia's top three facilities by output.

According to Ukraine’s General Staff, explosions and a fire were reported at the Kirishi refinery. It posted a photo appearing to show a blaze and clouds of smoke against a night sky.

Russian officials say they intercepted over 80 Ukrainian drones in the skies across the country in the early hours of Sunday.  

Leningrad Governor Alexander Drozdenko said three drones were downed above Kirishi area, and says the fire was caused by the falling debris. Drozdenko noted that no civilians were injured or killed in the attacks, adding that the fire has also been put out.

Russian officials did not however comment on the extent of damage the facility suffered.

The attack also comes just one day after US President Donald Trump doubled down on his earlier warnings of serious repercussions for countries that continue to purchase Russian oil.

On Saturday, Trump warned Washington’s NATO allies with tariffs, ranging between 50 to 100 per cent, if such purchases don’t stop.

The 47th US president says it’s important to choke what he declared as one of Russia’s primary funding sources for its war in Ukraine, to force the Kremlin to the negotiating table.

Trump has already met with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last month to explore ways to deliver on his campaign promise of ending the war, but has expressed frustration at the speed of progress.

Russia remains the world’s second largest oil exporter, but a seasonal rise in demand and sustained Ukrainian drone strikes have caused gasoline shortages in recent weeks.

Gas stations have run dry in some regions of the country, with motorists waiting in long lines and officials resorting to rationing or cutting off sales altogether.

To try to ease the shortage, Russia has paused gasoline exports, with officials declaring on Wednesday a full ban until 30 September and a partial ban affecting traders and intermediaries until 31 October.