"In order to reduce the enemy's offensive potential and complicate the supply of fuel to the occupying military units, on the night of August 21, Ukrainian (forces) struck the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery," the General Staff said in a statement.

It is indicated that the company is located in the Rostov region of Russia and is one of the largest suppliers of petroleum products in the south of Russia. The plant participates in the supply processes of the country's armed forces. The total volume of oil tanks is more than 210 thousand cubic meters.

"Numerous explosions were recorded," the Ukrainian military noted.

It is reported that in addition to the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery, other important targets were also hit.

Ukrainians attacked a Russian drone warehouse and logistics center in temporarily occupied Donetsk. A strike was also recorded on a Russian fuel and lubricants base in the Voronezh region, but it is not yet clear what damage was caused.

Fuel prices rise in Russia after Ukraine strikes on oil refineries

Fuel prices in Russia have hit record highs after Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries caused disruptions during the travel season, stock exchange data showed on Thursday.

Ukraine regularly attacks Russian refineries and oil storage facilities in an attempt to limit Moscow's ability to finance its war. The recent strikes coincided with the summer holiday season, contributing to a shift away from trains and flights to driving.

In an effort to control prices, Russia, one of the world's largest oil producers, imposed a complete ban on fuel exports last month, but it appears to have had little effect.

According to trading data from the St. Petersburg Stock Exchange, the two most popular fuel blends in Russia, AI-92 and AI-95, were selling for around 72,663 and 81,342 rubles per ton (around 775 and 868 euros), respectively, close to their all-time highs.

Russian brokerage firm BKS cited “seasonal highs, repairs and new incidents at refineries” as the reason for the price hike, noting higher demand for fuel as people tend to drive more during the summer months. BKS also noted that the attacks in Ukraine have also disrupted air and rail transport, further contributing to the jump.

The Russian Energy Ministry, for its part, claimed that prices had risen due to"high seasonal demand and agricultural work," and also approved extending the ban until September, without mentioning the Ukrainian strikes or any repair work at oil refineries.

Ukrainians attack Russian fuel train in Crimea

Delfi has already reported that on Thursday, Ukrainian forces also destroyed a Russian freight train in Crimea carrying fuel and lubricants.

This was reported by the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

"In the temporarily occupied Crimea, the logistics of the occupiers have been disrupted. Special operations forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine conducted operations near the Dzhankoy railway station. The operation took place on the night of August 21. Special forces attacked a Russian train with fuel and lubricants," the Ukrainian military reported.