Russian refinery blaze: Ukrainian missile may be to blame
The most modern Russian refinery in Tuapse has been burning for two days, likely hit by a new Ukrainian Long Neptune missile, which has a range of about 620 miles. Shocking footage has appeared online, showing Russians on a train calmly watching the enormous fire during their journey.
Recordings on social media show that the fire at the Tuapse refinery is drawing significant interest among Russians. Local community members are seen looking toward the burning infrastructure, even while traveling by train.
Russia's most modern refinery is burning, for two days
Initial reports indicated that Ukrainian drones attacked the Tuapse refinery. However, the Nexta service notes that skepticism about this version is growing. It is most likely that a Long Neptune missile hit the oil processing infrastructure.
Long Neptune is a new Ukrainian missile with a range of about 620 miles. Speculation on this topic increased after President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Saturday that Ukrainian forces used the new rocket "against a ground target."
The attack occurred at 8 PM Eastern Time on Thursday. "A tank fire broke out on the premises of the fuel base. I am at the scene. According to preliminary information, there are no casualties or injuries. The situation is under control," said Sergey Boyko, head of the Tuapse urban district.
Just before the explosion in Tuapse, the press service of the Crimean Bridge announced its closure. Typically, closing the bridge is related to the threat of a missile attack, not a drone attack. The bridge was closed at 7:41 PM Eastern Time, and at 8:11 PM, the alarm was canceled.
According to residents' accounts, sirens in the city blared only after the impact.
The refinery in Tuapse is crucial for the Russian army. It supplies fuel to the Black Sea Fleet and military infrastructure in the south of the country. It is also an essential part of the logistical supply chain for fuel deliveries to military equipment and aviation. The facility has a processing capacity of about 13 million tons of oil annually.
