Recent large-scale Ukrainian drone strikes targeted multiple Russian cities, including Moscow, impacting oil refineries and military airfields. A significant blow was the attack on a Druzhba pipeline control station, halting oil exports to Central Europe, particularly Hungary, and causing Hungary’s foreign minister to deem it an attack on their sovereignty. This disruption underscores Russia’s reliance on energy exports and its influence over Hungary’s energy sector. Continued Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure could further pressure Russia to negotiate a ceasefire.
Read More
Ukrainian military intelligence launched a drone attack on the Kirishinefteorgsintez oil refinery in Russia’s Leningrad Oblast on March 8th. Russian air defenses reportedly shot down two drones, though one caused minor damage to a storage tank. The refinery, located over 800 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, is a major Russian oil producer. This attack comes amidst reduced U.S. intelligence sharing following President Trump’s pressure on Ukraine, highlighting Ukraine’s continued targeting of Russian energy infrastructure despite the shift in support.
Read More
In the early hours of February 26th, Ukrainian forces launched a coordinated drone strike targeting strategic Russian infrastructure. The operation, involving the AFU and HUR, successfully hit the Tuapse Oil Refinery in Krasnodar, causing significant damage and disrupting oil exports crucial to funding the Russian war effort. Simultaneously, military airfields in occupied Crimea were also attacked. These actions coincided with a large-scale Russian drone attack on Ukraine, resulting in civilian casualties.
Read More
A Ukrainian drone attack targeted a major Lukoil oil refinery in Volgograd Oblast on January 31st, resulting in explosions near the facility. This attack, a joint operation by Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces and HUR, is part of a broader strategy to disrupt Russian military logistics and weaken its economy. The refinery, one of Russia’s ten largest, produces various fuels and has been targeted multiple times previously. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported intercepting numerous drones that night, though damage assessments are ongoing.
Read More
Ukrainian drone strikes on the Kstovo oil refinery in Russia resulted in a significant fire, impacting approximately 5% of Russia’s total refinery output. This attack, part of a broader Ukrainian campaign targeting Russian oil facilities, represents a recent escalation in the ongoing conflict. The cost-effectiveness of drones compared to refinery repair costs makes this strategy viable for Ukraine, aiming to cripple Russia’s primary revenue source and war effort. The impact of this campaign may be further influenced by the continuation or alteration of existing US sanctions on Russian oil.
Read More
A Ukrainian drone attack on January 29th severely damaged the Lukoil oil refinery in Kstovo, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, according to a HUR source. Four drones reportedly hit the refinery, which is considered a military target due to its support of Russian forces, causing significant damage and a large fire. While claims are unverified, local reports and videos corroborate the attack, which occurred approximately 800 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Simultaneous drone attacks were also reported across multiple Russian regions, targeting civilian and industrial infrastructure.
Read More
Ukrainian drones successfully targeted the Lukoil oil refinery in Kstovo, Russia’s fourth-largest refinery, causing a fire and significant damage despite the distance of 800km from the Ukrainian border. The attack, claimed by Ukraine’s GUR, follows a similar strike on another major Russian refinery days prior, highlighting an effective Ukrainian strategy of long-range drone attacks on critical infrastructure. While Russia claims to have shot down numerous drones, local reports of explosions corroborate the success of the Kstovo operation. This incident further demonstrates the escalating impact of drone warfare on the conflict.
Read More
Two Ukrainian drone attacks this week crippled the Ryazan oil refinery, a major facility accounting for approximately 5% of Russia’s total refining capacity. The attacks damaged crucial infrastructure, halting operations and impacting production of gasoline, diesel, fuel oil, and jet fuel. This significant disruption highlights the increasing effectiveness of Ukrainian drone campaigns against Russian energy infrastructure. The attacks underscore the vulnerability of Russia’s energy sector, a cornerstone of its economy, to these sustained attacks. Russia’s claims of intercepting all drones involved are contradicted by the refinery’s significant damage and operational shutdown.
Read More
Overnight on January 24th, Ukrainian forces launched drone strikes targeting critical infrastructure deep within Russia. The Ryazan Oil Refinery, a major facility, and the Ryazan Thermal Power Plant were hit, resulting in significant damage including fires at multiple oil depots. Simultaneously, the Kremniy EL microelectronics plant in Bryansk, a key supplier to the Russian military, was also attacked, reportedly halting production. These strikes, confirmed by both the SBU and the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, represent a continuation of Ukraine’s intensified long-range attacks on Russian military and industrial targets.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker