A large-scale drone strike reportedly hit several key locations across southern Russia during the night of August 7. One of the primary targets was the Afipskiy oil refinery, located in Krasnodar Krai. The refinery lies about 200 kilometers from the front lines and plays a significant role in supporting Russian military operations.
Widespread Drone Attack Hits Key Facilities in Krasnodar Krai
According to multiple reports shared through social media and regional channels, loud explosions were heard overnight in the area. Residents described seeing a large fire near the refinery, and videos circulating online appeared to show the blaze lighting up the sky.
This refinery is known for supplying diesel fuel and aviation kerosene, which are essential for military vehicles and aircraft. It processes around 6.25 million tons of oil each year, making it a crucial part of Russia’s fuel network.
The Afipskiy refinery in Krasnodar Krai has been targeted before during the ongoing conflict. However, the scale of this recent attack appears to be more intense. It is currently unknown how much damage this new strike will cause.
A fire reportedly broke out at a military installation in the nearby town of Slavyansk-on-Kuban in Krasnodar Krai that same evening. Local accounts suggest drone assaults were responsible for the incident. One person was said to have been injured by falling debris from a drone.
Port City of Novorossiysk Also Under Attack
In addition to the attack on the oil refinery, reports emerged of a separate drone strike on the port city of Novorossiysk, located around 60 kilometers south of Slavyansk-on-Kuban.
People along the coastline heard sirens as defense systems responded to what officials described as a naval drone attack. The authorities reportedly maintained the alert for several minutes before lifting it. They have not released any official information about damage or casualties in the city.
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Russia’s most important port and naval station is Novorossiysk. It became even more important after Russia reportedly moved most of its Black Sea Fleet to the city following previous missile and drone strikes on Crimea.
A video shared by independent sources appeared to capture the sound of explosions and alarms during the attack on Novorossiysk. The authenticity and exact location of the footage have not been officially verified.
Attacks on Russia’s southern military installations and shoreline are becoming more widespread, as seen by these strikes, including those in Krasnodar Krai.
Krasnodar Krai Becomes a Frequent Drone Strike Zone
Krasnodar Krai is a region situated to the east of Crimea, separated by the Kerch Strait. Over recent months, it has become one of the most frequently targeted areas by drone attacks. This region houses vital military and industrial infrastructure used by Russian forces, especially for operations over the Black Sea.
The Afipskiy refinery in Krasnodar Krai plays a dual role — supporting battlefield logistics and contributing significantly to Russia’s economy through its fuel processing capabilities.
Ukraine has increasingly relied on domestically developed drones for its deep strikes inside Russian territory. These drone campaigns often focus on energy infrastructure such as refineries, depots, and pipelines.
In the early hours of August 7, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed it had intercepted a total of 82 drones across multiple regions. Authorities also reported that drones targeted railway infrastructure in Volgograd Oblast.
Drone debris injured people in some areas, and the attacks sparked fires at military facilities, but officials have not yet completed the damage assessment. Authorities are yet to release detailed statements on the outcome of the attacks on the refinery or the naval port.
Ukraine has not officially commented on this specific strike, which is in line with its usual practice of maintaining silence on operations conducted inside Russian territory.
This attack adds to a growing list of similar incidents targeting critical facilities within Russia. The use of both aerial and naval drones points to a strategy of coordinated, multi-pronged operations focused on weakening strategic points like those in Krasnodar Krai.