Ukrainian drones targeted a Russian oil refinery in the city of Novokuybyshevsk overnight, Ukrainian authorities said Monday.

Andriy Kovalenko, head of the anti-disinformation centre in Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, disclosed this on Telegram.

He said the refinery was of strategic importance to the Russian military as it helps ensure a stable fuel supply for forces.

Earlier, Russian Telegram channels reported explosions and a fire at the refinery.

Russia’s state news agency, TASS, only said a warehouse in the city had caught fire.

Vyacheslav Fedorishchev, governor of Russia’s Samara region, wrote on the Russian social network VK that the attack in Novokuybyshevsk was unsuccessful and that there were no fires or damage.

His statement was disputed by the commenters online.

According to Russia’s Defence Ministry, nine Ukrainian drones were shot down over Russian territory overnight, including three over the Samara region.

Ukraine has been defending itself against Russia’s full-scale invasion for more than three years.

As part of its strategy, it frequently targets Russian infrastructure to disrupt military supply lines.

(dpa/NAN)