Overnight on November 4, a Lukoil oil refinery in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod Oblast was targeted by Ukrainian drones in a joint operation involving multiple branches of the Ukrainian military. The attack, employing over 50 drones, reportedly struck the refinery during repairs to a critical processing component. Simultaneously, multiple other regions within Russia experienced drone attacks, including sites in Voronezh, Belgorod, Kursk, Lipetsk, Volgograd, Sverdlovsk, and the Republic of Bashkortostan. These attacks align with Ukraine’s strategy of targeting facilities that contribute to Russia’s war effort, including energy infrastructure.
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Satellite imagery analysis has revealed extensive damage to the Sea Oil Terminal oil depot in Feodosia following Ukrainian drone strikes. The attacks, occurring on October 6 and 13, resulted in the complete destruction of 11 tanks, with additional severe damage to others. Out of a total of 43 tanks, only 7 remain undamaged. These strikes, including a previous 2024 attack, targeted the largest oil transshipment facility in Crimea, a crucial supply point for the Russian occupation army.
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A forest fire, reportedly ignited by a Ukrainian drone attack near Gelendzhik in southern Russia, is threatening a luxury residence believed to be owned by Vladimir Putin. The fire, which has spread across 14 hectares in the Tyomnaya Shchel valley, followed reports from the Russian Defence Ministry of downed drones in the area. The residence is located just four kilometers from the valley, raising concerns about potential damage.
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Overnight on August 2nd, industrial facilities across several Russian regions, including Ryazan, Penza, Samara, and Voronezh oblasts, were targeted in a series of drone attacks, as confirmed by Ukraine’s General Staff. Oil refineries in Ryazan and Samara, as well as the Elektropribor plant in Penza, were reportedly struck, causing fires and damage. Additionally, a fuel storage base in Voronezh Oblast and the Primorsko-Akhtarsk military airfield in Krasnodar Krai, used for Shahed drone storage and launch facilities, were also targeted by Ukrainian drones, the latter attack claimed by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). These attacks were reportedly a response to recent Russian strikes on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure.
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Ukrainian drone strikes on June 14th targeted the Nevinnomyssk Azot chemical plant in Russia, a major producer of ammonia, nitrogen fertilizers, and dual-use chemicals crucial to the Russian military-industrial complex. The plant, owned by sanctioned billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, subsequently suspended production. This facility supplies raw materials for weapons and fuel production, including ammonium nitrate for explosives and other chemicals used in munitions. The disruption to production significantly impacts Russia’s military capabilities.
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Overnight drone strikes targeted key Russian defense industry facilities. The Independent Oil and Gas Company JSC in Samara Oblast, a producer of explosive components, and the Nevinnomyssk plant in Stavropol Krai, a major supplier of explosives and rocket fuel components, were both hit. Explosions and fires were reported at both locations, impacting Russia’s ability to supply its military. The attacks underscore Ukraine’s continued efforts to disrupt Russia’s war effort through long-range strikes. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
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Authorities in Russia’s Kaluga and Tula oblasts are levying fines against residents and journalists for sharing images and videos of recent Ukrainian drone strikes on social media. In Kaluga Oblast, 42 cases resulting in fines ranging from 3,000 to 200,000 rubles have been filed, targeting individuals and media outlets alike. Tula Oblast has issued one fine to date, a 25,000 ruble penalty for a Telegram post showing a drone attack. These actions underscore a crackdown on the dissemination of information related to the attacks.
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A Ukrainian drone strike on June 1st, codenamed “Spider’s Web,” damaged approximately 10% of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet, including Tu-95 and Tu-22 bombers, as well as A-50 surveillance aircraft, according to German Major General Christian Freuding. This resulted in the likely incapacitation of several A-50s, leaving Russia with only a handful operational. While Russia retains significant air power, the attack had a considerable psychological impact and will force increased security measures. The strike’s success, estimated to have cost Russia over $7 billion, is considered a major victory for Ukraine.
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Overnight, drone strikes targeted key Russian military and industrial sites, including the Engels airbase, an oil depot, and the Progress defense plant in Michurinsk. The Progress plant, a crucial supplier for Russia’s military-industrial complex, produces components for precision-guided weaponry, significantly impacting Russia’s ability to manufacture its arsenal. While Russia acknowledged some downed drones, reports confirmed direct hits and resulting damage, including injuries and residential building damage in Engels. These attacks come as Russia continued its bombardment of Ukrainian civilian infrastructure.
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A Ukrainian drone strike, codenamed “Spiderweb,” targeted four Russian air bases on June 1, reportedly damaging or destroying a significant number of Russian nuclear-capable bombers, including Tu-95 and Tu-22 aircraft. While the SBU claimed damage exceeding $7 billion and the destruction of one-third of Russia’s cruise missile bombers, Kremlin sources suggested a lower figure of around 10 aircraft affected. Satellite imagery supports some of the damage claims, showing destroyed bombers at the Belaya air base. Despite the attack, the impact on Russia’s bombing campaign against Ukraine is expected to be minimal.
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John Q. Hosedrinker