A significant fire erupted at an oil refinery in Omsk, Russia, on Thursday, with dramatic visuals circulating online showing the blaze engulfing parts of the facility.
The fire generated massive clouds of black smoke around Gazprom Neft’s refinery, according to reports from Telegram Channel 112. Firefighters managed to extinguish the fire, and authorities have now started an inquiry into its cause.
Anton Gerashchenko, a former advisor to Ukraine’s internal affairs ministry, shared on X that the fire affected over 3,000 square feet and noted that this refinery is the largest in Russia, producing 22 million tons of oil annually and employing around 3,500 people. Source.
Stanislav Krasilnikov/SPTNK
The incident specifically impacted the AVT-10 primary processing complex at the refinery, located in southwestern Siberia. The Emergency Situations Ministry quickly responded to the situation.
Several unexplained fires have occurred recently in Russia, including one at a military and aerospace factory in Yekaterinburg. Accurate information about drone strikes in Russia is often hard to come by, as Ukraine usually remains silent on such matters.
In the past few months, explosions have also been noted in Crimea and drone attacks targeted the Bryansk region in Russia.
Ukraine’s capabilities to launch strikes on Russian territory remain a contentious issue among its Western allies, who are concerned about potential escalation. While Kyiv seeks the ability to conduct long-range strikes, Russia has warned that such actions could widen the conflict.
Currently, Russia is exporting about 7.5 million barrels of oil daily, closely trailing Saudi Arabia, as per the International Energy Agency. To avoid Western sanctions, Russia has utilized a “shadow fleet” of oil tankers, leasing and purchasing vessels that do not comply with these sanctions.
Marienko Andrew/AP
This incident unfolds as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky labeled Russia’s attempts to dominate Kharkiv as a “failure,” noting a shift in Russian focus along the frontlines.
While Russia made some minor advances in Kharkiv Oblast back in May, the offensive has reportedly hit a standstill. Russian forces are currently redirected towards the city of Pokrovsk, located 175 miles south of Kharkiv.
In a noteworthy development, the first batch of F-16 fighter jets delivered to Ukraine for air defense has commenced operations. This moment marks a key milestone for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict, even though the Kremlin claims these aircrafts won’t significantly alter the situation on the battlefield.