Third Ukrainian Drone Strike Hits Russian Oil Refinery in Tuapse
A major Russian oil refinery on the Black Sea in Tuapse has been struck for the third time this month by Ukrainian drones, causing a significant fire and prompting evacuations, local officials reported on April 28, 2026. The attacks have raised concerns about disruptions to Russia’s energy infrastructure and its ability to fund its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Recent Attacks and Damage
The latest drone strike on April 28, 2026, resulted in a “massive fire” at the Tuapse refinery, according to Krasnodar regional governor Veniamin Kondratyev. More than 160 firefighters were deployed to extinguish the blaze. Earlier strikes on April 16 and April 20, 2026, caused an oil spill into the sea and reports of “black” rain falling on the city, leaving an oily residue. Following the April 20 strike, 24 storage tanks were destroyed, and four more were damaged, according to the General Staff.
Ukrainian Justification for Attacks
Ukraine’s military confirmed its involvement in the latest drone strike, stating that such refineries contribute to funding Russia’s full-scale invasion launched in 2022. The General Staff stated on April 28, 2026, that the Tuapse refinery “is involved in supplying the Russian Federation’s occupation army on Ukrainian territory.” Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR), alongside the 1st Separate Center and the 413th “Raid” Regiment, in coordination with Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), carried out the strike.
Russian Response and Accusations
The Kremlin has accused Ukraine of attempting to destabilize global energy markets and exacerbate oil shortages. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on April 29, 2026, that its air defense intercepted 98 Ukrainian drones.
Local Impact and Safety Measures
Local authorities have ordered evacuations for residents living near the refinery, establishing a temporary evacuation center in a local school. Residents were urged to wear masks, rinse their nose, eyes, and throat, keep windows closed, and limit time outdoors due to the release of combustion products into the atmosphere. Anastasia Troyanova, a local correspondent for environmental news outlet Kedr, described “a huge cloud of black smoke over the town; it smells of burning.”
Ongoing Situation
As of April 29, 2026, firefighters continued to battle the blaze in “extremely difficult conditions,” as described by Governor Kondratyev, who praised their efforts as “true heroism.” The extent of the damage is still being assessed. The fire ignited by the initial April 16 attack had been contained, but the subsequent strike reignited it and significantly worsened the situation, with flames burning continuously since then.