In a significant escalation of its military operations, Ukraine has carried out a major drone attack on four Russian oil refineries, the Ukrainian military announced. The strike also targeted radar stations, electronic intelligence centers, and drone storage and launch sites in Russia’s Krasnodar region and occupied Crimea.
According to the Ukrainian military, the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) struck the Afipsky, Ilsky, Krasnodar, and Astrakhan oil refineries, which are crucial for supplying fuel to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. A Kyiv intelligence source told Reuters that the damage to these refineries will significantly complicate the logistics of fuel supply, making it more expensive and time-consuming for Russia.
The Ukrainian military also claimed responsibility for drone attacks on fuel depots in the Russian regions of Tambov and Adygeya on Thursday. These strikes are part of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to disrupt Russia’s military operations by targeting its energy infrastructure.
Russia’s military reported that it had downed a significant number of drones over the Black Sea, Crimea, and the Krasnodar region, but the Ukrainian military maintains that the attack was successful in causing damage and disruptions to Russian operations.
The drone strikes come amid Russia’s continued bombardment of Ukraine’s power grid, which has caused widespread blackouts and raised concerns about the country’s ability to withstand the winter months. However, Ukraine’s latest drone assault demonstrates its growing willingness to take the fight directly to Russian targets, further escalating the conflict.