“Look How It Burns” – Russians Stunned by Massive Fire at Krasnodar Oil Facility (Video)

A powerful fire engulfed one of Russia’s largest oil refineries in Tuapse, Krasnodar region, following an overnight attack by Ukrainian kamikaze drones on 14 March. The attack, which targeted a strategic facility supplying fuel to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, resulted in massive explosions and raging flames that continued into the morning hours. Footage of the inferno, shared on Russian Telegram channels, showed shocked residents filming the blaze as firefighters struggled to contain it.

The refinery fire covered more than a thousand square metres, with Russian emergency services unable to fully extinguish it. Local authorities claimed that Russian air defence systems were activated and shot down the drones, but the debris reportedly fell onto the refinery, sparking the fire. No casualties have been reported so far.

This attack is the latest in a series of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian energy infrastructure. The Tuapse refinery had previously been targeted on 26 February and multiple times last year. The facility has the capacity to process 12 million tonnes of oil annually, making it a vital asset for Russia’s war effort.

Flights at Sochi Airport were temporarily suspended due to the air raid threat, highlighting the increasing vulnerability of Russia’s critical infrastructure. This incident follows a growing number of Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russian territory, demonstrating Kyiv’s ability to disrupt key military supply chains.

Reports indicate that Western allies, including Britain and France, have been considering a military response if Russia violates future ceasefire agreements. Although no final decisions have been made, European leaders are determined to show their ability to support Ukraine independently of Washington, particularly given US President Donald Trump’s reluctance to commit to long-term security guarantees for Kyiv.

Potential Western responses include deploying strategic ammunition reserves, heavy weapons, and even peacekeeping forces to Ukraine’s most critical infrastructure sites. Air forces from allied nations could also be put on standby to ensure the safety of Ukrainian airspace. A naval presence in the Black Sea may be strengthened to secure international waters and counter Russian threats.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed that 18 countries are interested in participating in a European-led security initiative. A proposed “Sky Shield” project, which aims to deploy 120 European fighter jets to protect Ukraine’s airspace, may also be revived following a ceasefire agreement.