Drone strike hits industrial site near Moscow as Ukraine targets oil plants

Russia reported that a drone struck an industrial enterprise east of Moscow overnight on November 1, 2026. Gleb Nikitin, the governor of the Nizhny Novgorod region, stated that a massive drone attack caused significant damage to an industrial site in the Kstovo district. He added that more than 100 drones were destroyed and there were no casualties based on early information, though he did not name the specific plant. Ukrainian media reported that the target was the Kstovo oil refinery, describing it as one of Russia's largest oil facilities that produces fuel and lubricants. Moscow previously stated on October 30 that Ukraine had resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries after a pause of several days. Senior Russian official Alexander Novak told state TV that Ukraine had hit three oil refineries and one gas-chemical complex. Kyiv has targeted Russian oil and gas sites in response to Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure since the offensive started in February 2022. U.S. President Donald Trump had pressured Kyiv for weeks to halt these attacks, blaming them for higher diesel costs.

Context

Attacks on energy infrastructure have become a regular part of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, affecting fuel production and regional markets. Oil refineries and processing plants remain key strategic targets for both sides in the ongoing war.