Two key Russian oil facilities rocked by massive airstrike

(CLO) Two recent major attacks targeting the Taneco oil refinery in Tatarstan and an oil depot in Engels, Saratov caused significant damage, attracting international attention.

In Tatarstan, the Taneco oil refinery – one of Russia's largest and most modern facilities with a capacity to process more than 16 million tons of oil per year – was attacked on January 11.

According to Andriy Kovalenko, an official with the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, this is not the first time the facility has been targeted. In April 2024, a similar attack caused serious damage to the plant’s main processing system.

Mr. Kovalenko stressed that Taneco plays an important role in supplying fuel to the Russian military, and the destruction of these facilities would directly weaken Moscow's military capabilities.

A massive fire engulfed one of Russia's oil refineries in Engels. Screenshot

Meanwhile in the Saratov region, an oil depot supplying fuel to the Engels-2 military airport – home to Russia's Tu-95 and Tu-160 strategic bombers – was attacked by drones.

The fire, which lasted for five days, gradually diminished in scale but still caused extensive damage, according to regional governor Roman Busargin. The Ukrainian military said the attack had resulted in a “massive fire” that reduced Russia’s ability to strike at cities and civilian targets.

The Engels-2 air base, located about 300 miles from the Ukrainian border, is considered a strategically important hub for Russia’s long-range aviation. Attacks on oil facilities near the base have caused serious logistical problems, reducing the bombers’ operational capabilities.

Ukraine has stepped up attacks on strategic oil facilities deep inside Russian territory, depriving Moscow of fuel supplies vital to its military efforts.

In response from Russia, local authorities in Tatarstan denied reports of a fire at Taneco, saying the “orange glow in the sky” was the result of flares during the technological process. Unverified videos on social media showed plumes of smoke rising from the scene.

Ukraine’s repeated attacks on oil facilities are not only aimed at disrupting Russian military operations, but are also strategically designed to disrupt fuel supply chains, creating long-term pressure on Moscow’s ability to sustain military operations.

Hoai Phuong (according to TASS, Newsweek, CNN)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/hai-co-so-dau-quan-trong-cua-nga-rung-chuyen-sau-cuoc-khong-kich-lon-post330116.html