Moscow: A fire erupted at an oil refinery in the Russian Republic of Komi from a Ukrainian drone strike, the region's governor said Thursday. Rostislav Goldshteyn reported on Telegram that Ukrainian drones targeted the region, leading to a fire at the Lukoil-owned Ukhta oil refinery.

According to Anadolu Agency, emergency services responded swiftly to the scene. Goldshteyn mentioned that preliminary information indicated no casualties. He assured that all necessary safety measures were being implemented, with emergency services operating in an 'enhanced mode.'

Goldshteyn further noted that airports in Syktyvkar, the region's capital, and the industrial town of Ukhta have resumed operations, with temporary restrictions on arrivals and departures lifted.

The Russian Defense Ministry reported that the country's air defenses shot down 13 Ukrainian drones between 8 am and 12 pm Moscow time (0500GMT and 0900GMT), with nine of these being downed above the Komi Republic.

Separately, Ukraine's General Staff confirmed targeting the Ukhta oil refinery, highlighting that the facility is situated 1,750 kilometers (1,087 miles) from the Ukrainian border.

Moscow and Kyiv have regularly accused each other of targeting energy infrastructure amid US-mediated peace negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war, which will enter its fifth year later this month.