Ukraine says its forces have struck three Russian oil refineries during a new wave of long-range attacks, with at least one target reportedly about 1,600 kilometres inside Russia. The strikes form part of Kyiv’s effort to weaken Moscow’s fuel supplies and military financing, but the full extent of the damage has not been independently confirmed.
Ukrainian officials said drones were used against energy and industrial sites far beyond the front line as both countries intensified attacks on strategic infrastructure.
Russia has acknowledged drone activity and damage in several regions, although Moscow and Kyiv often give different accounts of the targets hit, the number of weapons intercepted and the scale of destruction.
People living in affected Russian regions have been advised by local authorities to follow emergency instructions and avoid damaged industrial areas. Travellers and businesses should also monitor official updates because attacks on airports and energy facilities can disrupt transport and fuel supplies.
Ukraine expands strikes deep inside Russia
Ukraine has increasingly relied on domestically produced long-range drones to reach targets that were previously considered beyond its striking distance.
The latest operation reportedly targeted three oil refineries, including facilities deep inside Russian territory. Kyiv says such plants support Russia’s armed forces by producing petrol, diesel, aviation fuel and other petroleum products used in military logistics.
Ukraine describes the campaign as a form of “long-range sanctions” intended to reduce the money and fuel available to support Russia’s invasion.
However, an attack on a refinery does not necessarily mean the entire facility has been destroyed. Oil-processing plants contain many separate units, storage tanks and pipelines, meaning damage to one section may interrupt production without permanently closing the site.
Russian emergency services have responded to fires at several energy facilities following recent Ukrainian attacks. The length of any shutdown will depend on which parts of the plants were damaged and how quickly replacement equipment can be obtained.
Ukraine previously struck the Omsk refinery in Siberia, around 2,700 kilometres from Ukrainian-controlled territory, in one of the deepest attacks reported during the war. Russian regional authorities confirmed that the facility had been targeted, while saying air defences intercepted most of the drones.
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Why Russian oil refineries are being targeted
Russia is one of the world’s largest oil producers, and energy exports remain an important source of state revenue.
Refineries turn crude oil into usable products such as petrol, diesel, jet fuel and heating oil. Striking them may cause local shortages, increase transport costs and force Russia to spend money and equipment on repairs.
Kyiv also argues that Russian refineries form part of the country’s military supply system because they provide fuel for aircraft, armoured vehicles and other equipment.
Recent Ukrainian attacks have affected refineries in areas including Ryazan and Perm. The two facilities have a combined annual processing capacity of about 220 million barrels, according to reporting on the strikes.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged that attacks on energy infrastructure have contributed to domestic fuel supply problems, although he said the shortages were not critical. Analysts cited by the Guardian estimated that Ukrainian strikes had reduced roughly a quarter of Russia’s refining capacity at that stage of the campaign.
The figures remain difficult to verify because Russia restricts information about sensitive industrial facilities, while Ukraine has an interest in presenting its operations as successful.
The refinery strikes came as Russia continued missile and drone attacks on Ukraine.
A recent Russian assault on Kyiv involved ballistic missiles and drones, killing civilians and damaging homes, a school and other buildings, Ukrainian authorities said. President Volodymyr Zelensky renewed his appeal for additional Patriot air-defence systems and interceptor missiles.
A Patriot system is designed to detect and destroy incoming aircraft and missiles. Its interceptor missiles are expensive and available in limited numbers, making it difficult for Ukraine to protect every city and important facility.
The latest developments show how the war has expanded beyond the main battlefield. Russia is attacking Ukrainian cities, power systems and transport infrastructure, while Ukraine is striking refineries, military bases, oil depots and logistics sites inside Russia.
Both countries deny deliberately targeting civilians. However, strikes on industrial areas can still endanger workers and nearby residents, especially when fuel tanks or pipelines catch fire.
Deep strikes increase pressure on Russian air defences
Ukraine’s ability to reach targets more than 1,000 kilometres away forces Russia to defend a much larger area.
Moscow must decide whether to keep air-defence systems near the front or move some of them to protect refineries, military factories, airports and major cities.
Long-range drones are generally cheaper than ballistic or cruise missiles, but they carry smaller explosive payloads. Ukraine often launches them in groups, sometimes alongside decoy aircraft intended to confuse or overwhelm Russian defences.
Kyiv has also created a specialist command focused on long-range strikes against Russia’s energy and military infrastructure. Zelensky said the unit would concentrate resources on reducing Russia’s ability to continue the war.
Russia has responded by strengthening air defences around Moscow and other strategic sites. Drone attacks have also caused temporary airport closures and flight delays.
Refinery attacks could affect global fuel costs
Damage to Russian refineries may have consequences outside the country.
Russia continues to supply oil and petroleum products to international markets despite Western sanctions. Reduced refining capacity can tighten diesel, petrol and aviation-fuel supplies, particularly when plants in the Middle East or elsewhere are also disrupted.
European fuel-processing margins have recently remained close to record levels as attacks and shutdowns reduced global refinery output. This means crude oil prices may fall while the cost of refined products remains high because fewer plants are available to turn crude into usable fuel.
For households, the effect is not automatic. Pump prices also depend on taxes, exchange rates, transport costs and domestic competition.
The military impact is equally uncertain. Russia has large energy resources and can redirect fuel from other regions, increase imports or repair damaged plants. Repeated attacks, however, may make those solutions more expensive and difficult.
The latest strikes demonstrate that Ukraine can threaten important Russian facilities far from the border. Whether the operation causes lasting damage will depend on the condition of the refineries, the speed of repairs and Kyiv’s ability to continue launching deep attacks.
The claim that all three refineries were successfully hit should be treated as Ukraine’s account until more evidence becomes available. Russian officials have not provided a complete independent assessment of every reported target.
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