Ukrainian Special Operations Forces struck the Saratov Oil Refinery in Russia’s Saratov region overnight on Oct. 16, delivering a direct hit to one of the country’s oldest oil facilities.
The refinery, formerly known as the “Kreking” plant, is part of the state-owned Rosneft and processed 7.2 million tons of oil in 2020, declining to 4.8 million tons in 2023.
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The Ukrainian forces previously targeted the refinery exactly one month ago, on Sept. 16, 2025. Officials said the strikes are part of ongoing asymmetric operations aimed at disrupting Russian military and industrial capabilities.
The attack came amid a wave of drone strikes that rocked Saratov overnight, causing explosions and fires across the city. Russia’s aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, suspended flights at Saratov and Samara airports due to safety concerns.
“Temporary restrictions have been imposed on departures and arrivals of aircraft. The restrictions are necessary to ensure flight safety,” said Rosaviatsia spokesperson Artem Korenyako.
By morning, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed that air defenses had shot down or intercepted 51 drones, including 12 over the Saratov region.
The Russian outlet RBC reported that flight bans also remain in place in Tambov, while parts of the Penza region have activated the “Carpet” emergency plan amid fears of new drone strikes.
Last week, Kyiv Post reported that the US, under President Donald Trump, reportedly provided the necessary intelligence to help Kyiv strike Russian oil facilities across the country in a secret bid to push Moscow towards negotiations.
Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal gave a brief recap of the Ramstein format meeting on Wednesday alongside NATO chief Mark Rutte, which focused on air defenses for Ukraine.
As of early October, the attacks reportedly shut down 38% of Russian oil refineries and prompted an oil crisis inside Russia, with sales restrictions on gasoline and diesel introduced in multiple regions.
The Financial Times, citing unnamed US and Ukrainian officials, said the Trump administration secretly helped enable the strikes by providing Kyiv with the necessary data.
The data included route planning, altitude, timing and mission details that helped Ukrainian drones evade Russian air defenses.