Ukraine Strikes Orenburg Gas Plant; Old Image Misidentified as Recent
A recent strike by Ukraine on the Orenburg gas processing plant in southern Russia has heightened tensions, with the attack occurring on October 19, 2025. This incident is part of Ukraine’s ongoing campaign targeting oil and gas facilities within Russian territory. The strike resulted in significant operational disruptions for the facility, which is managed by Gazprom. According to Kazakh authorities, the plant was forced to halt its gas refining operations that typically draw from Kazakhstan’s sizable oil and gas resources.
In the wake of the attack, an image depicting firefighters tackling a large blaze was circulated widely on social media. A Facebook post in Thai claimed the photo was taken during the recent incident at the Orenburg plant. This post, which received considerable attention due to its large following of over 4,600, inaccurately linked the image to the ongoing conflict.
Misleading Image Circulates Widely
Investigations into the image reveal that it was actually taken in early 2024, during a different incident in the Kursk region. A combination of reverse image searches and keyword analysis led to the discovery of a video on The Telegraph’s YouTube channel, dated February 15, 2024. This video, titled “Ukrainian drone strike hits Russian oil depot in Kursk,” features the same scene of firefighters combating flames and smoke.
The original source of the image was further confirmed by AFP, which had previously distributed the visual as part of a report on the fire at an oil depot in Kursk, following a drone attack. The report included a caption from Kursk governor Roman Starovoyt, stating that firefighters were engaged in extinguishing a blaze ignited by a Ukrainian drone strike.
Escalating Conflict and Disinformation
This incident is not isolated, as reports indicate a recent increase in Russian strikes targeting Ukrainian infrastructure, resulting in widespread power outages. In response, Ukraine has intensified its operations against targets along Russia’s western border, including key oil and gas facilities.
The dissemination of misleading images, such as the one linked to the Orenburg attack, underscores the challenges faced in accurately reporting on the conflict. Similar claims featuring the same image have appeared in various languages, including English, Chinese, and Persian, highlighting the global reach of disinformation.
As the conflict evolves, fact-checking organizations continue to play a critical role in distinguishing between verified information and false narratives. For comprehensive reports on the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, further coverage can be accessed through established news outlets and fact-checking sources.
