Ukrainian forces claim that they have hit two major Russian oil refineries deep inside the country, using a combination of drones and naval tactics in the Black Sea.
The Bashneft‑Novoil refinery in the Bashkortostan republic and the Slavneft‑Yanos refinery in Yaroslavl both suffered heavy damage. Russian drone attacks fired 93 planes overnight, bringing intense fire and smoke to the refineries, leaving both sites in disarray.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the strikes were aimed at limiting oil revenues that Moscow uses to finance its war. He also noted that two patrol boats and shadow vessels were hit in the Black Sea, targeting tanker exports that bypass sanctions.
In Yaroslavl, the refinery caught fire after the drone raid. Four people were injured, and emergency crews are fighting a blaze across multiple buildings. The incident was confirmed via social media footage showing thick smoke plumes from the site.
Ukrainian reports say that there were 11 fatalities in other Russian attacks, while Kherson experienced a full blackout after a “critical infrastructure facility” was hit. Internet connectivity fell to 31% overnight, although backup generators kept the network from going completely offline.
This wave of attacks follows a period of intense striking across both sides, targeting cities, energy facilities and shipping routes. Russian forces claimed to have shot down 605 Ukrainian drones, while Ukraine counters that its attacks are boosting chances for peace negotiations.
The ongoing conflict sees the front line largely static, with mediation efforts stalled. However, every strike intensifies the geopolitical stakes, affecting global oil prices and energy security.
