Ukrainian forces struck facilities at the Saratov oil refinery overnight on 21 March, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported.
According to the General Staff, the strike damaged a secondary oil processing unit and a vertical storage tank, RVS-10000. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
The Saratov refinery is one of Russia's oldest oil processing facilities. It processes crude oil and produces fuel and lubricants used to supply Russian forces. As of 2023, the plant's processing capacity stood at 4.8 million tonnes annually.
Before the official confirmation, Saratov region governor Roman Busargin had reported damage to civilian infrastructure in the region. Separately, Telegram channels circulated reports of a probable fire at the local refinery.
The Saratov strike was part of a broader overnight operation. Russia's Ministry of Defence claimed its forces intercepted 263 Ukrainian drones during the night of 21 March. Beyond Saratov, Moscow, Rostov, and Samara regions also came under attack, according to Russian sources. In Samara, two chemical plants — Togliattikautchuk and KuybyshevAzot — reportedly sustained damage.
