Fire after Ukrainian attack at Russia’s Tuapse refinery hits air quality

April 22 (Reuters) – A large contingent of Russian firefighters was battling a third day of blazes at the Black Sea Tuapse oil refinery on Wednesday following a Ukrainian drone strike, and air quality in the city had deteriorated sharply, officials said.

The Tuapse oil refinery, which sells most of its products for export, ceased operations following the April 16 attack, two industry sources said Tuesday.

On Wednesday, the headquarters of Russia’s southern Krasnodar region said: “In Tuapse, firefighting operations continue for the third day due to a large fire at the marine terminal following a drone attack by the Kiev regime.”

The center said that 276 firefighters and 77 vehicles were prepared for the operation.

It was stated that the byproducts of the fire mixed with precipitation and formed a “black coating” in the areas around the terminal.

Atmospheric readings showed concentrations two to three times the permitted concentration levels of benzene, xylene and soot, and residents were asked to stay indoors, keep windows closed and wipe down surfaces.

The statement said, “The situation will return to normal when the fire is extinguished.”

As the United States, which mediated peace talks to stop the conflict with Russia, shifted its focus to the war in Iran, Ukraine increased attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure.

According to Russian officials, attacks on the city of Tuapse on April 16 and April 20 damaged transportation infrastructure in the port and set fire to oil products warehouses.

(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Kim Coghill)