A Ukrainian drone attack has set ablaze a major Russian oil refinery on the Black Sea for the third time this month, triggering a massive fire and forcing nearby residents to evacuate, local officials reported.
The Tuapse refinery, previously hit twice in the past two weeks, has caused an oil spill and left residents dealing with "black" rain and oily residue. The Kremlin condemned the strike, accusing Ukraine of exacerbating global energy shortages, while Ukraine's military confirmed the operation, stating that such refineries fund Russia's war effort.
More than 160 firefighters battled the blaze in what Krasnodar regional governor Veniamin Kondratyev described as "extremely difficult conditions" and "true heroism." No casualties were reported. Sergei Boyko, head of the local municipal district, called for residents of nearby streets to evacuate, and a temporary shelter was set up at a local school.
The regional crisis center warned that combustion products were being released into the atmosphere and urged residents to wear masks, rinse their noses and eyes, keep windows closed, and limit time outdoors. Local journalist Anastasia Troyanova reported a "huge cloud of black smoke over the town; it smells of burning."
Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the emergencies minister to travel to Tuapse to oversee firefighting and cleanup. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov argued that Ukraine was targeting oil storage facilities meant for export, destabilizing global energy markets.
Ukraine's military stated the strike aimed to reduce Russia's military-economic potential. In recent months, Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian energy facilities, deeming them legitimate targets supporting the war.
Separately, one person was injured in a Russian drone attack on Kyiv, and Ukrainian officials reported several fires, including one at a cemetery.