Ukrainian drone attack wave on energy and chemical infrastructure in Russia

Ukrainian drone attack wave on energy and chemical infrastructure in Russia

During the night of May 20, 2026, Ukrainian forces attacked a series of strategic targets inside Russian territory. According to a report by STERNENKO, the refinery in Kstovo, Nizhny Novgorod region, considered one of the largest producers of gasoline and jet fuel in Russia, was attacked. At the same time, an attack was reported at the "Nevinnomyssky Azot" chemical plant in the Stavropol region, which produces essential materials for the production of explosives.

The Ukrainian General Staff officially confirmed that the strikes hit the "Lukoil-Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez" refinery as well as the "Yaroslav-3" oil pumping station in Semibratovo. According to the report, four tanks with a total capacity of 140,000 cubic meters were damaged at this site. The channel Реальна Війна 18+ noted that this was an operation by special units in cooperation with the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), which caused damage to the main processing unit at the plant.

On the other hand, an escalation was reported in Russian attacks against Ukraine. Українська правда reported that on the evening of May 19, Russian forces carried out a missile and drone attack on gas and oil infrastructure in the Chernihiv region. The UA Stream channel added that the attack was aimed not only at energy infrastructure but also at resort complexes and residential houses in the area.

The reports highlight the strategic importance of the targets. Ukraine NOW noted that the Kstovo refinery is essential for fuel supply to the Moscow region, while the "Azot" plant has been attacked at least seven times in the past due to it being a major producer of ammonia and ammonium nitrate. SPRAVDI experts emphasized that hitting these plants is intended to disrupt the Russian military's ability to supply itself with fuel and ammunition.