One of Russia's key energy facilities is capable of processing about 8,340 tons of gas condensate per day. In 2023, it produced 703,000 tons of gasoline, or 1.6% of Russia's total, as well as 492,000 tons of diesel (0.6%) and 299,000 tons of fuel oil (0.7%), making it a key element of the enemy's military-industrial complex and a vital source of funding for its defense sector.
This follows earlier reports from eyewitnesses and local Telegram channels of an overnight attack and at least one loud explosion followed by a fire at the plant.
According to regional governor Igor Babushkin, drones had targeted "facilities in the oblast, including the fuel and energy complex," but did not specify the exact location of the attack.
"One of the UAVs caught fire when it fell," he said.
On the same day, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed the alleged downing of 70 drones over the country overnight, including 7 over the Astrakhan Oblast.
On Jan. 30, Kovalenko said that the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Russia’s Rostov Oblast had ceased operations after a series of Ukrainian attacks.