Ukrainian missile likely responsible for fire at Russian refinery
The most modern Russian refinery in Tuapse has been burning for two days. It was most likely hit by a new Ukrainian Long Neptune missile, which has a range of about 1,000 kilometres. Shocking footage has appeared online, including videos of Russians calmly observing the gigantic fire during their train journey.
The fire at the refinery in Tuapse is drawing Russians' attention, and recordings on social media confirm this. Local community members can be seen looking towards the burning infrastructure, even while travelling by train.
Russia's most modern refinery is burning. for two days
Initial reports indicated that Ukrainian drones attacked the refinery in Tuapse, but as noted by the Nexta service, "doubts about this version are growing." Most likely, a Long Neptune missile hit the oil processing infrastructure.
Long Neptune is a new Ukrainian missile with a range of about 1,000 kilometres. Speculation intensified after President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Saturday that Ukrainian forces used the rocket "against a ground target."
The attack occurred at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday. Sergey Boyko, head of the Tuapse urban district, reported that a fire had erupted in a fuel storage facility. Preliminary information indicated no casualties or injuries, and the situation remained under control.
Just before the explosion in Tuapse, the press service of the Crimean Bridge announced that the crossing was closed. Typically, the bridge closure relates to a missile attack threat, rather than a drone attack. The bridge was closed at 7:41 PM Eastern Time, and at 8:11 PM, the alarm was canceled.
According to residents' accounts, sirens in the city blared only after the impact.
The refinery in Tuapse is crucial for the Russian army as it supplies fuel to the Black Sea Fleet and military infrastructure in the south of the country. It is part of the logistical supply chain for fuel deliveries to military equipment and aviation. The refinery processes about 13 million tonnes of oil annually.
