Ukrainian drones strike one of Russia's top oil refineries, sparking fire

Ukrainian drones struck unity of Russia's largest oil colour refineries overnight, sparking a discharge, according to Russian officials and Ukraine's armed services.

The walk out on the Kirishi refinery, in Russia's northwestern Leningrad region, follows weeks of Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure that Kyiv says fuels Moscow's war effort. The facility, operated by major Russian oil and gas company Surgutneftegas, produces close to 17.7 million tonnes per year (355,000 barrels per day) of crude and is one of Russia's top three by output.

More than three years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, drones have emerged as a key weapon for both sides. Multiple Russian drones crossed into Poland on Wednesday, prompting NATO to send fighter jets to shoot them down and underlining long-held concerns that the fighting might spill over beyond Ukraine's borders.

According to the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, explosions and a fire were reported at the Kirishi refinery. It posted a photo appearing to show a blaze and clouds of smoke against a night sky.

Regional Gov. Alexander Drozdenko said three drones were downed overnight in the Kirishi area, with falling debris sparking a fire at the facility. He said no one was injured and the blaze was put out.

Russian officials did not immediately comment on the consequences of the strike. At least 80 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight over Russia, occupied Crimea and the adjacent Sea of Azov, according to the Russian Defence Ministry.

Russia remains the world's second-largest oil exporter, but a seasonal rise in demand and sustained Ukrainian drone strikes have caused gasoline shortages in recent weeks.

Gas stations have run dry in some regions of the country, with motorists waiting in long lines and officials resorting to rationing or cutting off sales altogether.

To try to ease the shortage, Russia has paused gasoline exports, with officials on Wednesday declaring a full ban until Sept. 30 and a partial ban affecting traders and intermediaries until Oct. 31.

U.S. President Donald Trump calls on NATO members to impose sanctions on Russia

Adding to Russia's oil exporting woes, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a letter to NATO countries on Saturday, saying he believes the war would end if they stopped buying Russia's oil and began placing 50 to 100 per cent tariffs on China for its purchases of Russian petroleum.

Within hours, Beijing responded to Trump's call by saying China's foreign affairs minister said the country doesn't participate in wars or plot them.

Also in the Leningrad region, a diesel locomotive derailed during the night, Drozdenko, the local governor, said on Sunday. The region surrounds but does not include St. Petersburg, Russia's second-largest city.

Drozdenko said the locomotive's driver was trapped in his cabin and later died of his injuries while being transported to a hospital. An official probe would check for signs of sabotage, he said.

Separately, a bomb planted along railway lines in Russia's Oryol region killed three people, according to reports by the local governor, Andrey Klychkov. He said victims had been inspecting the track, and he identified one as a member of Russia's National Guard.

According to Klychkov's posts, published late Saturday and Sunday, the incident happened near the town of Maloarkhangelsk, some 200 kilometres from the Ukrainian border. Russian officials did not immediately comment on the cause.

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