Russia and Kazakhstan authorities announced on Sunday, October 19th, that a Ukrainian drone attacked a large natural gas processing plant in southern Russia, causing a fire and forcing the plant to halt the receipt of natural gas from Kazakhstan.
The natural gas processing plant is located in Orenburg Oblast, near the border with Kazakhstan, operated by the state-owned gas giant Gazprom. The production and processing facilities of this plant are among the largest in the world. The annual production capacity of this Orenburg facility is 45 billion cubic meters, processing natural gas condensate from the Karachaganak Field in Kazakhstan as well as gas from local fields in Orenburg Oblast.
According to Orenburg Oblast Governor Yevgeny Solntsev, the drone attack resulted in a workshop at the plant catching on fire and causing damage to some buildings. The Kazakhstan Ministry of Energy cited a notification from Gazprom stating that due to the emergency situation following the drone attack, the plant was temporarily unable to process gas from Kazakhstan.
The Ukrainian General Staff issued a statement on Sunday reporting a major fire at the Orenburg plant, with one gas processing and purification unit damaged.
In recent months, Ukraine has escalated its attacks on Russian energy facilities, believing these facilities provide financial support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and directly fuel Russia’s war efforts.
The Ukrainian General Staff also reported another drone attack hitting a refinery in Novokuibyshevsk, Samara Oblast, neighboring Orenburg. This attack caused a major fire and damaged the primary refining units.
The Samara Oblast refinery is operated by the state-owned energy giant Rosneft, with an annual capacity of 49 million tons, producing over 20 petroleum products. Russian authorities have not acknowledged Ukraine’s claims or disclosed any losses.
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated on Sunday morning in a release that its air defense forces shot down 45 Ukrainian drones during the night, with 12 over Samara Oblast, 1 over Orenburg Oblast, and 11 over neighboring Saratov Oblast.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported on Sunday that Russia launched 62 drones into Ukrainian airspace overnight, with 40 either shot down or deviated from their course due to electronic interference.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian prosecutors accused Russia of modifying deadly airdropped bombs for more precise attacks on civilian targets within Ukraine. Local authorities in Kharkiv reported the first use of new rocket-powered airdropped bombs by Russian forces, targeting a residential area.
Russia continues to launch attacks on other areas in Ukraine closer to the frontlines.
(This article is based on reporting by the Associated Press)