Major panic in Russia over latest oil refinery fire – 'Don't waste any time'

Panicking Russians have been urged to rush to petrol stations immediately after Ukrainian drones struck the country’s largest oil refinery in Omsk. A resident warned in a video that quickly went viral after being shared by Ukrainian former government adviser Anton Gerashchenko: “Don’t waste any time right now. Anyone with a car who’s watching me – head to the gas station! The lines are about to get crazy.”

The appeal captured the alarm sweeping Omsk as black smoke rose over the Gazprom Neft refinery following a Ukrainian long-range drone attack. Mr Gerashchenko posted footage of flames at the facility, confirming multiple “Fire Point” drone strikes on what had been Russia’s only major undamaged refinery.

The Omsk plant, with a capacity of about 460,000 barrels per day and supplying a large share of Siberian fuel, was a critical asset. Ukraine’s campaign against Russian energy infrastructure has already forced fuel shortages and rationing in several regions.

Mr Gerashchenko, who has closely tracked the strikes, emphasised the distance and importance of the target: “Fire Point drones attacked Omsk oil refinery in Russia. That’s about 2,600 km from Ukraine.” He later shared additional images of the blaze and a second drone impact. His updates amplified the resident’s urgent call, showing queues forming at petrol stations as drivers heeded the warning.

The strike came hours after Russia unleashed waves of missiles and drones on Ukraine, killing at least 22 people, many in Kyiv. Ukrainian officials said all 29 ballistic missiles fired struck their targets, exposing shortages of Patriot interceptors. President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged allies to bolster air defences ahead of a NATO summit.

Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces confirmed the Omsk hit, part of efforts to disrupt fuel supplies for Russian forces. The refinery accounted for roughly 12% of Russian refining output. Damage could exacerbate domestic shortages, with drivers already facing long waits and restrictions elsewhere.

Russian officials claimed air defences intercepted most drones but acknowledged the attack on the refinery. Local reports focused on the fires, while social media filled with scenes of panic buying. Mr Gerashchenko’s posts contrasted sharply with Moscow’s narrative, highlighting the growing reach of Ukrainian strikes deep into Russian territory.

This is the latest in a series of Ukrainian drone operations that have hit refineries, depots and ports across Russia. Facilities once considered safe far behind the front lines are now vulnerable, slowing Russian logistics and adding economic pressure as the invasion enters its fifth year.