Lauge Risom Koch 
Ukrainian long-range drone strikes have temporarily disabled 86% of the primary crude-processing capacity at a major Russian oil refinery in Perm.
Ukrainian forces struck a major Russian oil refinery located far from the border. The attack significantly reduced the facility’s primary crude-processing capabilities. This operation marks another long-range strike targeting critical energy infrastructure.
Assessing the facility damage
The Perm refinery lost over 80% of its primary processing capacity following recent strikes. According to United24 Media, several atmospheric-vacuum distillation units are currently undergoing repairs. These units perform the initial processing of crude oil at the site.
The heavily affected AVT-5 unit holds an annual capacity of 4.53 million tons. As reported by United24 Media, satellite imagery shows critical damage to its distillation columns. Analysts also identified previously unreported damage to equipment responsible for desalting and dehydration.
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This combination of damage could keep the unit offline for an extended period. According to United24 Media, analysts detected signs of repair work at the AVT-4 unit. Satellite imagery revealed operating cranes that indicate this unit also sustained damage.
Disrupting crude oil production
Observers noted another repair crane positioned near the AVT-1 processing unit. A fire had previously broken out at this location following a reported attack. This specific unit processes approximately 1.83 million tons of crude annually.
The Dnipro Osint project estimated the total offline capacity at 86%. As noted by United24 Media, this disruption affects roughly 11.3 million tons of crude oil per year. The entire facility normally maintains an annual capacity of about 13 million metric tons.
The LUKOIL-Permnefteorgsintez plant ranks among the largest refineries in the country. It produces gasoline, diesel, aviation fuel, and other essential petroleum products. Its output serves the domestic market and previously supplied international buyers.
Executing the long-range strike
The targeted facility sits more than 1,500 kilometers away from the Ukrainian border. Ukrainian long-range drones attacked the refinery complex on August 21. According to United24 Media, footage shared by residents showed thick smoke rising from the area.
Russian authorities issued a regional drone alert during the morning of the attack. Officials temporarily suspended all flight operations at the local Perm airport. Residents reported hearing multiple explosions and air raid sirens across the city.
These strikes have increasingly disrupted the broader Russian refining industry. The attacks force energy facilities to halt production and undertake extensive repairs. Ukraine continues to utilize unmanned systems to reach targets deep inside enemy territory.
