Ukraine Targets Russian Logistics: Wagons Derailed in Luga, Refinery Fire in Kirishi

Rail chaos and refinery flames shook southern Russia. Ukrainian drones struck again, driving home Kyiv’s strategy of disrupting Moscow’s logistics.

Ukrainian drones have hit critical infrastructure in Russia’s Leningrad region, igniting one of the country’s largest refineries and causing the derailment of freight wagons near Luga. The attacks once again point out Ukraine’s strategy of targeting Russian logistics. As drones fell from the sky and flames engulfed a major refinery, an unexpected drama unfolded on the railway. The incident occurred near the town of Luga in southern Leningrad region, where three wagons of an empty freight train suddenly overturned.

Was It Sabotage?

While Governor Alexander Drozdenko stopped short of directly naming those responsible, his comments did not rule out the possibility of sabotage. Investigators are actively examining this scenario. The message is clear: someone attempted to strike at a crucial Russian transport artery. Train delays are now the least of Russia’s concerns. This event fits a wider pattern — it is neither the first nor the last time its unprovoked full-scale war on Ukraine has shifted onto the railway. The attack on the Kirishi refinery on the same day suggests it may be part of a broader strategy.

Drones Hit One of Russia’s Largest Refineries

The fire broke out after a downed drone crashed into the facility. The refinery, one of Russia’s largest, processes 6.4 percent of the country’s crude oil output. According to Reuters, the Ukrainian military confirmed responsibility for the strike, saying its goal was to limit Moscow’s oil revenues that are being used to finance the war against Ukraine.

This incident recalls similar events earlier in September, when Ukrainian drones disabled a key railway artery in Rostov region. At Kuteinikovo station, explosions replaced the usual whistle of locomotives, plunging operations into chaos. In total, 26 trains were halted, and passengers waited up to four hours for services to resume.

Ukraine Continues to Target Russian Logistics

Ukraine has consistently targeted Russian military assets, fuel depots, and logistical networks, with railways proving to be a vulnerable prize. These operations aim to undermine Russia’s war effort. "This systematic destruction of logistics hubs is part of a ‘death by a thousand cuts’ strategy," said one expert. "Small but constant attacks collectively cause significant disruption to Russia’s supply lines."

Ukraine has previously carried out numerous operations against rail infrastructure in territories occupied by Russia. In recent months, strikes have hit Russian ammunition depots, fuel facilities, locomotives, and trains in the Zaporizhzhia region. The use of drones and long-range missiles enables Ukrainian forces to strike deep inside Russian territory. In July, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) announced the destruction of a Russian locomotive in Zaporizhzhia. The objective remains clear: to paralyse Russia’s fuel and ammunition transport and slow the tempo of its military operations.