Ukraine drone attack rocks Russia’s Ryazan, Oil Refinery ablaze

By Burnett Munthali

RYAZAN – (MaraviPost)-A massive black cloud looms over Russia’s Ryazan after Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on the city’s oil refinery, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming four lives.

The attack, which occurred on May 15, 2026, has sent shockwaves across the region, with apartment blocks and industrial sites also hit.

The Ukrainian drone barrage targeted the Ryazan Oil Refinery, one of Russia’s largest fuel plants, processing about 17 million tons of crude oil annually.

The refinery, operated by Rosneft, has been a key target for Ukraine, aiming to disrupt Russia’s energy infrastructure and limit its revenue streams.

Governor Pavel Malkov confirmed the deaths and reported that a dozen people, including children, were wounded in the attack. Videos circulating on social media show at least one badly damaged high-rise residential building engulfed in smoke and flames, highlighting the severity of the strike.

The attack is part of Ukraine’s stepped-up efforts to target Russia’s oil and gas infrastructure, aiming to deprive the Kremlin of energy windfalls amid the ongoing conflict.

This marks another escalation in the conflict, with Ukraine seeking to disrupt Russia’s energy sector and impact its economy.

The Ryazan region, located around 185 kilometers southeast of Moscow, has been repeatedly targeted by Ukrainian drones since the 2022 invasion.

The latest attack underscores the expanding scope of the conflict and Ukraine’s determination to strike at Russia’s critical infrastructure.

Burnett Munthali

Burnett Munthali is a Maravipost Political analyst (also known as political scientists) he covers Malawi political systems, how they originated, developed, and operate. he researches and analyzes the Malawi and Regional governments, political ideas, policies, political trends, and foreign relations.