Ukrainian forces strike Russian oil facility in Rostov region

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that on December 19, Ukrainian military-naval forces and the Security Service of Ukraine struck the Novoshakhtinsky oil products plant in Russia’s Rostov region. The General Staff did not disclose the specific methods used for the attack, but confirmed a fire at the plant, with further details still being verified.

The Novoshakhtinsky refinery, which serves as a critical supply point for Russia’s southern military operations, has been targeted multiple times by Ukrainian drones since the summer of 2022. Acting Governor of Rostov, Yuri Slusar, attributed the fire to a Ukrainian drone strike, noting that the fire was extinguished by 7 a.m. A person was reported injured by falling drone debris.

Slusar also revealed that Ukrainian forces launched over 30 drones and three missiles at the Rostov region overnight. However, the Russian Defense Ministry’s statement reported the destruction of 84 Ukrainian drones, including 36 over Rostov Oblast, without mentioning the use of missiles.

Novoshakhtinsk is located near Ukraine’s Luhansk Oblast and hosts the only operational oil refinery in Rostov Oblast, playing a pivotal role in supplying oil products to Russia’s southern regions.