Operation targets Nizhny Novgorod refinery and pipeline hub
A coordinated strike by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), Special Operations Forces, and Unmanned Systems Forces struck the Nizhny Novgorod oil refinery and the Starolikeyevo pipeline dispatch station (LDS) in Kstovo on July 2. The target lies 850 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. At least two separate fires were confirmed on the facilities’ grounds following the attack.
The Nizhny Novgorod refinery is one of Russia’s largest petroleum processing plants, producing gasoline, diesel, aviation kerosene, and other fuels—much of which supplies the Russian military. The Starolikeyevo LDS serves as a critical node in Russia’s main fuel pipeline network, channeling petroleum products to central regions of the country.
Air defenses fail to prevent damage
Although Russian air defense systems were active around Kstovo that night, they could not stop the successful strike. The attack hit the AVT-6 primary crude oil processing unit. A series of explosions occurred near the refinery and the Starolikeyevo station, with confirmed impacts on the facility and subsequent fires on site. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has approved a 40-day campaign of pressure operations against Russia.
This attack underscores the ongoing military conflict between Ukraine and Russia, highlighting Ukraine’s deliberate efforts to disrupt logistics chains that sustain the Russian army. The successful operation showcases the capabilities of Ukrainian forces in modern warfare, particularly through drone technology. Such strikes could significantly weaken the enemy’s military capacity and alter the broader course of the war.
The recent strike on the Nizhny Novgorod refinery is part of a broader pattern of Ukraine's long-range operations. Similar assaults have targeted deep within Russian territory, showcasing Ukraine's commitment to undermining military supply lines. For more insights into these strategic attacks and their implications, check out our coverage on Ukraine's deep strikes inside Russia.