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Ukrainian Drone Strikes Shut Down Gazprom Neft Refinery South of Moscow

6/25/2026, 2:02:05 AM

Drone Attacks Render Gazprom Neft Refinery Inoperable

On June 16, 2026 a Ukrainian drone struck the Gazprom Neft refinery south of Moscow, damaging a distillation unit that processes 53% of the plant’s capacity. A second strike on June 18 hit the Euro+ unit, responsible for the remaining 47%. Industry sources say the combined damage will keep the plant offline for at least six months.

Refinery’s Production Profile and Capacity

In 2024 the refinery handled 11.6 million metric tons of crude, producing 2.9 million tons of gasoline and 3.2 million tons of diesel. The plant’s distillation unit accounts for 53% of processing capacity, while the newer Euro+ unit provides the remaining 47%. As a Gazprom Neft asset, it supplies a sizable share of fuel for Moscow and nearby regions. Damage to both units therefore halts the refinery’s entire output.

Operator and Actors Involved

The operator is Gazprom Neft, a leading Russian oil company. The attacks are attributed to Ukrainian drones, though no formal claim has been made. Damage details come from unnamed industry sources familiar with the refinery’s operations, who provided the repair timeline.

Chronology of the Attacks

June 16, 2026 – A Ukrainian drone struck the distillation unit, disabling 53% of the refinery’s capacity. June 18, 2026 – A second drone hit the Euro+ unit, affecting the remaining 47%. Industry sources estimate a minimum six-month repair period. Russian officials have not issued a public comment.

Quantitative Impact of the Shutdown

In 2024 the refinery produced 2.9 million tons of gasoline and 3.2 million tons of diesel, totaling over five million tons of finished fuel. The distillation and Euro+ units together account for 100% of the plant’s processing capacity, so the shutdown eliminates the entire output until repairs are completed.

Official Responses

No Russian officials have publicly addressed the damage. An anonymous industry source said repairs will take at least half a year. The absence of official commentary leaves the precise scope of damage and the repair schedule unconfirmed.

Implications of the Shutdown

The refinery’s 2024 gasoline and diesel production of over five million tons significantly supplied fuel to Moscow and surrounding districts. Its shutdown removes that volume from the market, reducing the immediate supply of gasoline and diesel. The attacks show that Ukrainian drones were able to damage both the distillation and Euro+ units, temporarily halting the refinery’s output.

Direct Quote

“It will take at least half a year to repair.” — Industry source (anonymous)

Discrepancies and Uncertainties

The article’s headline suggests the refinery may remain offline until 2027, implying a multi-year interruption. The quoted industry source, however, cites a minimum six-month repair window. No clarification reconciles these timelines, and the lack of official statements leaves the exact damage extent and schedule unverified.