Ukraine hit the Salavat petrochemical complex, one of Russia’s largest facilities located in the Bashkortostan region, with drones on Wednesday, marking the second such strike in less than a week, according to local governor Radiy Khabirov.
Khabirov, writing on Telegram, confirmed that the facility, operated by Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat, was attacked on Wednesday. He said emergency services were on site and firefighting measures were underway, with assessments ongoing to determine the extent of the damage.
The complex, controlled by energy giant Gazprom, produces gasoline, diesel, kerosene, liquefied gases, butyl alcohols, polyethylene, polystyrene and ammonia. It was also targeted in a drone strike last week.
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Ukraine has stepped up drone attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure in recent weeks, striking refineries and export-bound pipelines. Earlier this month, Ukrainian drones also hit an oil refinery in Ufa, the capital of Bashkortostan, located around 1,400 kilometres from the Ukrainian border.
The strikes have disrupted refinery operations, leading to fuel shortages in Russia, while high borrowing costs have made it difficult for private filling stations to maintain stockpiles, traders and retailers say.
