Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Ukrainian forces targeted a major oil refinery in northwestern Russia’s Leningrad Oblast and an airbase in Krasnodar Krai overnight on Aug. 30, monitoring channels reported.
One of Russia’s largest oil refineries, the Kirishi Petroleum Organic Synthesis plant, also known as the Kinef plant, was set ablaze after it was struck by Ukrainian forces in Leningrad Oblast, according to Telegram channel Exilenova Plus.
The facility is subject to Western sanctions against Russia enacted by Ukraine’s allies, including measures imposed by the U.S.
Leningrad Oblast Governor Aleksandr Drozdenko confirmed a “drone crash has been reported in the vicinity of a refinery in the Kirishi district, resulting in a fire” as 62 drones were shot down over the region.
Meanwhile, an airbase was struck in the town of Yeysk in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai, where eyewitnesses reported that a series of strong explosions occurred.
Ukrainian drones were also reported in Russia’s Smolensk Oblast by Exilenova Plus, citing eyewitness footage, but it remains unclear if any targets were struck.
Smolensk Oblast Governor Vasily Anokhin earlier announced that an air raid siren is in effect due to the threat of drones.
Explosions were also reported in Bryansk Oblast earlier in the night, where authorities have not yet commented on the situation.
The details could not be immediately verified.
Ukraine regularly strikes military infrastructure deep within Russia and the occupied territories in an effort to diminish Moscow’s ability to continue waging its war.
Ukrainian forces struck a Rostov-on-Don warehouse belonging to Russian e-commerce giant Ozon the night prior on Aug. 29, the company announced, as sites across southern Russia’s Rostov Oblast were reportedly targeted.
Ukrainian forces also struck several Russian military targets in occupied Ukrainian territories during an overnight operation on Aug. 29, according to the General Staff.
Ukraine targeted Russian facilities used to store, prepare, and launch attack drones in the occupied city of Donetsk, as well as in the village of Hvardiiske near Simferopol in occupied Crimea, according to the General Staff.