The Kirishsky oil refinery, one of Russia’s largest refineries, caught fire in the Leningrad region amid a drone attack. Regional governor Alexander Drozdenko confirmed drone strikes in the industrial zone of Kirishi.
This was reported by ASTRA.
After analyzing video footage from Kirishi, an OSINT analyst with the outlet determined that the fire broke out at the Kirishinefteorgsintez facility, which is part of the Surgutneftegas group.
According to ASTRA, the refinery is one of the key suppliers of fuel to St. Petersburg and aviation kerosene to Pulkovo Airport.
Authorities confirm strikes in industrial zone
Leningrad region governor Alexander Drozdenko initially said that 81 drones had been shot down and confirmed drone strikes in the industrial zone of Kirishi.
Debris also struck an apartment in the city. The family living there was evacuated, while there was no need to evacuate the entire building entrance.
Drozdenko later reported that 93 UAVs had been shot down. According to him, debris also fell on the roof of an apartment building in Vsevolozhsk.
After 4 a.m., the governor announced the end of the drone alert and said that a total of 113 drones had allegedly been shot down over the Leningrad region.
According to him, there were no casualties after debris struck the apartment in Kirishi.
Residents report explosions near the refinery
Residents of Kirishi reported air defense activity and powerful explosions in the area of the oil refinery.
There were also reports of an apartment building at 46 Stroiteley Street being evacuated.
ASTRA published photos and videos of the damaged building received from readers.
Refinery capacity is around 20 million tonnes of oil per year
The Kirishsky refinery was commissioned in 1966 and belongs to Surgutneftegas.
Its design capacity is around 20-21 million tonnes of oil per year.
The refinery produces gasoline, diesel fuel, aviation kerosene, fuel oil, bitumen, liquefied gas and petrochemical products.
In 2025, the United States imposed sanctions on Surgutneftegas and related entities. KINEF was also mentioned in the sanctions materials. The EU and the United Kingdom also imposed sanctions on the company.
Refinery had been attacked before
In 2025-2026, the Kirishsky refinery was repeatedly targeted by drones.
After an attack on August 30, 2026, the refinery, according to ASTRA, completely halted oil processing due to damage to two primary refining units.
Exilenova+ also reported the latest attack on KINEF, noting that the facility is one of Russia’s largest refineries with a processing capacity of around 20 million tonnes of oil per year.
