The Volgograd refinery processes nearly 6% of all oil in Russia, while the Astrakhan facility is one of the country’s major energy hubs, refining 12 billion cubic meters of gas condensate annually.
Critical damage reported at Russian energy facilities
According to Ukrainian security sources, drone strikes at the Volgograd refinery hit its flare system, two primary oil refining units (No. 2 and No. 3), and two processing installations (No. 20 and No. 21).
The Astrakhan Gas Processing Plant suffered damage to its gas condensate processing complex, triggering a fire that forced an emergency shutdown and the evacuation of workers.
“This is the fifth successful SBU special operation this year targeting oil refineries and other Russian enterprises supporting the military-industrial complex and producing fuel for Russia’s army,” a source told NV. “Drone-based sanction policies continue to prove their effectiveness.”
Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed the strikes on both the Volgograd and Astrakhan facilities, saying they were carried out by Ukrainian Special Operations Forces and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in coordination with other defense units.
Explosions and power outages reported in Russia
Residents of Russia’s Volgograd and Astrakhan oblasts reported hearing explosions overnight on Feb. 3.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council’s Center for Countering Disinformation, said Ukrainian drones attacked the Astrakhan plant, which produces gasoline and diesel fuel.
Multiple explosions were also reported near Lukoil’s refinery in Volgograd, with subsequent power outages reported across the city.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed its air defenses destroyed 70 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 25 over Volgograd Oblast and seven over Astrakhan Oblast.