Thick smoke rises over Tyumen plant despite official denials
Thick smoke rose over the Tyumen oil refinery in western Siberia following a drone attack, contradicting official Russian claims that the strike caused no damage.
Independent news outlet Astra confirmed the smoke columns using geolocation data from footage filmed near the Antipino public transport station. The facility, formerly known as the Antipinsky refinery, represents a critical piece of Russian energy infrastructure.
Tyumen Governor Aleksandr Moor claimed that air defenses successfully repelled the unmanned aerial vehicles. While Moor stated the plant sustained no damage, he confirmed that emergency services deployed to the debris site and officials evacuated all personnel.
Local residents reported hearing at least two explosions in the Antipino district before spotting ten fire engines rushing toward the plant. In response to the raid, regional authorities declared a drone alert and suspended all flights at the Tyumen airport.
Operated by Moscow-based Ri-Invest, the Tyumen facility is one of Russia's largest independent refineries, processing 8 million metric tons of crude annually. The plant boasts a 98% refining depth, producing Euro-5 diesel, liquefied petroleum gases, and petroleum coke.
The high-tech refinery previously faced a similar drone attack in October 2025. Businessman Anatoly Yablonsky acquired the strategic asset through Ri-Invest after the original enterprise filed for bankruptcy in 2021.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
