Leningrad Region Governor Alexander Drozdenko speaks to Russian President Vladimir Putin during their meeting in St. Petersburg, Russia, Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. (Alexei Danichev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File)2025-09-14T10:21:15Z Ukrainian drones overnight struck one of Russias largest oil refineries, sparking a fire, according to Russian officials and Ukraines military. The strike on the Kirishi refinery, in Russias northwestern Leningrad region, follows weeks of Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure that Kyiv says fuels Moscows war effort. The facility, operated by Russian oil major Surgutneftegas, produces close to 17.7 million metric tons per year (355,000 barrels per day) of crude, and is one of Russias top three by output. More than three years since Russias 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 Ukraines borders. According to Ukraines General Staff, 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 commented 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 Defense Ministry. Russia remains the worlds 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 Wednesday declaring a full ban until Sept. 30 and a partial ban affecting traders and intermediaries until Oct. 31. Deadly incidents along Russias railsAlso in the Leningrad region, a diesel locomotive was derailed during the night, local Gov. Drozdenko said Sunday. The region surrounds but does not include Russias second city of St. Petersburg.Drozdenko said the locomotives driver was trapped in his cabin, and later died of his injuries while being transported to a hospital. He added an official probe would check for signs of sabotage.Separately, a bomb planted along railway lines in Russias Oryol region has killed three people, according to reports by local Gov. Andrey Klychkov. He said victims had been inspecting the track, and identified one as a member of Russias National Guard. According to Klychkovs posts, published late Saturday and Sunday, the incident happened near the town of Maloarkhangelsk, some 200 kilometers (120 miles) from the Ukrainian border. Russian officials did not immediately comment on what caused it. ___Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine