MOSCOW/KYIV, October 30: Ukraine has resumed attacks on Russian oil infrastructure, with a drone strike reportedly targeting the Rosneft-owned Novokuybyshevsk oil refinery in Russia’s Samara region early Friday. A fire reportedly broke out at the facility following the attack.
The strike marks the end of an unofficial pause of around two weeks in Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries. According to media reports, the pause began in mid-October following pressure from US President Donald Trump’s administration.
The Novokuybyshevsk refinery is owned by Rosneft, Russia’s state-controlled oil company. The facility reportedly processes around 8.8 million metric tonnes of crude oil annually, producing aviation fuel, petrol, diesel, lubricants and other petroleum products.
Ukraine has repeatedly targeted Russian oil refineries, fuel storage facilities and energy infrastructure during the ongoing war. Kyiv has said such operations are aimed at disrupting fuel supplies to the Russian military and reducing Moscow’s oil revenue, which helps finance its war effort.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for stronger European Union support to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence systems ahead of winter.
Zelenskyy claimed that recent Russian attacks across Ukraine had killed 19 people and injured 71 others, including 11 children. He referred to attacks on a railway station in Dnipro and residential areas in Chernihiv and Kremenchuk.
European Council President António Costa condemned the reported attacks and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Ukraine. Zelenskyy has also urged the United States, the European Union and G7 countries to impose stronger sanctions against Russia.
The renewed attack on Russian oil infrastructure comes amid continuing military operations and diplomatic efforts surrounding the war. Energy facilities remain a significant target in the conflict, with both sides continuing to strike strategic infrastructure.
Note: The casualty figures of 19 killed and 71 injured are attributed to Zelenskyy and have not been independently established here as the confirmed toll from a single attack.
