Ukraine has launched nearly 500 drones over Russia. Moscow is preparing for mass strikes

Ukraine launched nearly 500 drones across Russia. Moscow is preparing for mass strikes.

On the night of August 30, Ukrainian drones attacked the Leningrad region of Russia. The governor of the region, Alexander Drozdenko, announced that 62 drones were shot down during the attack.

The governor reported that a "fire was recorded" in the industrial zone of the city of Kirishi, but did not provide further details. According to Astra, citing witnesses, the fire broke out at the Kirishinefteorgsintez oil refinery in Kirishi. It is the largest of its kind in European Russia. Information about the attack on the plant has not been officially confirmed.

This Leningrad oil refinery has been repeatedly attacked by drones during the Russo-Ukrainian war. According to the publication, Kirishinefteorgsintez stopped its work in early May 2026.

The war-watching channels also released a video showing an explosion on the upper floors of an apartment building in the city. The air defense system can be heard working in the video. The video was reportedly filmed in the city of Kirishi, and there were no reports of casualties.

Later, Governor Drozdenko reported that several residential buildings had been damaged as a result of repelling a drone attack on an industrial zone. Downed drones were also found in the Pribrezhny Park and near a school. According to Drozdenko, a fire in the industrial zone had also been extinguished.

The Russian military reported that 494 Ukrainian drones had been intercepted and destroyed overnight in 15 regions, over the Azov and Black Seas.

Russia is preparing for mass strikes. On August 30, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that it had begun preparations for a mass strike on Ukrainian energy facilities "in accordance with the instructions received."