Fire Erupts at Afipsky Oil Refinery in Russia's Krasnodar Region Following Drone Attack

Drone Attack Ignites Afipsky Refinery

A significant fire erupted at the Afipsky oil refinery in the Seversky district of Russia's Krasnodar region during the night of November 28-29, 2025. The incident was attributed to a Ukrainian drone attack, with falling debris reportedly igniting a gas condensate processing unit.

Local authorities confirmed the blaze, stating that it initially covered an area of approximately 100 square meters, later contained to about 250 square meters. While part of the refinery's technical equipment sustained damage, officials indicated that the storage tanks remained unaffected. There were no immediate reports of casualties, and refinery personnel were evacuated to shelters as a precautionary measure.

Strategic Importance and Ukrainian Confirmation

The Afipsky oil refinery is recognized as one of the largest fuel processing facilities in southern Russia, playing a crucial role in supplying diesel and aviation fuel to the Russian military. Its annual processing capacity is estimated at approximately 6.25 million tonnes of crude oil, accounting for over 2% of Russia's total oil refining output.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed that its forces targeted the Afipsky refinery, alongside other strategic facilities. Ukrainian officials stated that these strikes are intended to disrupt Russia's logistics chain and diminish its military-economic capabilities.

Russian Response and Broader Context

In response to the widespread drone activity, Russia's Ministry of Defense reported that its air defense systems intercepted numerous Ukrainian drones over the Krasnodar region and other areas during the overnight period. Local authorities in Krasnodar confirmed the fire and its subsequent containment.

This incident marks another in a series of attacks on the Afipsky refinery, which has been a frequent target of Ukrainian drone operations. Previous strikes on the facility were reported on September 26, August 28, and in February 2025. The ongoing targeting of energy infrastructure highlights the strategic importance of these facilities in the current conflict.