Fires tear through one of southern Russia’s biggest oil hubs after drone attack in Krasnodar Krai

A fire broke out at an oil facility in the Russian town of Tikhoretsk, Krasnodar Krai, overnight on 12 March following a reported drone attack, according to local officials and Russian Telegram channels.

Ukraine has repeatedly targeted Russian oil depots, refineries, and fuel transit hubs with long-range drones as part of a strategy to disrupt the logistics that sustain Russia’s war effort. By striking them, Ukraine aims to degrade Russia’s ability to supply forces at the front while also forcing Moscow to divert air defenses away from the battlefield.

At least two fires visible at Tikhoretsk-Nafta

Residents reported hearing multiple explosions before a large blaze erupted at an oil storage site linked to the Transneft pipeline system. Videos filmed by witnesses show thick black smoke rising from the facility.

Independent Russian outlet ASTRA said OSINT analysis of footage indicates that at least two sources of fire were visible at the site, including flames near a large storage tank and heavy smoke from what analysts believe are burning fuel reservoirs.

One of southern Russia's largest oil transit points

According to ASTRA, the burning facility is part of the Tikhoretsk oil hub, one of the largest oil transit points in southern Russia. The complex includes infrastructure tied to subsidiaries of Transneft, including the terminal operator Transneft-Terminal.

Regional authorities in Krasnodar Krai later confirmed a drone attack in the Tikhoretsk district and said a fire broke out at an oil processing facility. Officials claimed the blaze was caused by falling drone debris.

Witnesses said several drones were seen over the region overnight, with roughly ten explosions heard in areas around the regional capital Krasnodar and nearby districts. Russian air defenses reportedly attempted to intercept the drones.