NASA Satellites Capture Fire at Kirishi Oil Refinery
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- Kirishi Oil Refinery ignited on April 17, 2026 after being struck by Ukrainian missiles and drones, Bloomberg reports.
- NASA satellite imagery captured the blaze and traced thick black smoke plumes, confirming the fire’s extent, per the Washington Post.
- Ukrainian forces launched a wave of missile and drone attacks across Russia from April 16‑18, targeting oil infrastructure and causing widespread damage.
- Washington Post documented poisonous black rain falling in Russia as a result of the refinery fire, highlighting an emerging environmental crisis.
- Institute for the Study of War included the refinery attack in its May 3, 2026 offensive assessment, linking it to Russia’s broader campaign.
Why it matters: Ukrainian civilians have already suffered 84 deaths, and the refinery blaze now threatens the health of nearby Black Sea town residents, forcing costly cleanup and medical response.
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