One Of Russia's Largest Oil Refineries Struck
- 20.05.2026, 8:13
Explosions and fire broke out in the town of Kstovo.
On the morning of May 20, explosions sounded in Kstovo, Russia's Nizhny Novgorod region. After them, Russians saw smoke, OBOZ.UA reported.
Locals claim a local oil refinery was attacked, while analysts said an important oil refining facility was hit. Telegram channel Exilenova+ wrote about the attack.
What is known
The Exilenova+ published footage from Kstovo. They show smoke rising on the horizon: it is being observed by Russians after the morning explosions.
"Kstovo, Nizhny Novgorod region, locals report an attack on the refinery," Exilenova+ said.
The channel later stated, "there is contact on the ground," showing footage indicating a fire at the site of the hit
"Refinery is on fire," Exilenova+ stated at 07:01.
Subsequently, the OSINT community world.militares also described the first established consequences of the attack.
"Ukrainian troops have reportedly attacked the Kstovo oil refinery in the Nizhny Novgorod region. Photos shared by residents show a fire; according to possible geolocation, the AVT-6 (atmospheric distillation unit) is burning," it noted.
The Lukoil-Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez refinery is one of the largest oil refineries in the Russian Federation. It is capable of refining up to 17 million tons of oil per year. This makes it the fourth in terms of refining volume in the whole of Russia and the second among the refineries owned by Lukoil.
The enterprise provided about 10-11% of the total production of motor gasoline in Russia. The refinery also covered about 30% of the fuel needs of Moscow and the Moscow region.
But most importantly, the refinery produces gasoline, diesel and aviation fuel to meet the needs of the Russian occupation troops. And that is why the facility became a strategic target at the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine - because of its critical role in the economy and in supplying the army.
The Kstovo refinery was hit more than once. Some of the strikes were quite successful. For example, as a result of an attack on October 16, 2025, the L-24/300 unit was hit there. It carries out hydrotreating of 24 tons of feedstock per hour, respectively - up to 300 thousand tons per year.
And after the attack on April 5 this year, the refinery suspended work until at least the end of the month.
The last time before today the refinery in Kstovo was attacked on May 8, then a fire was recorded on the territory of the enterprise.