Ukrainian drones struck Russian oil facilities and set more oil tankers ablaze in a series of attacks early Thursday, according to local officials and media reports. The strikes targeted energy infrastructure in several Russian regions, marking an escalation in Ukraine's campaign to disrupt Russian fuel supplies.
Details of the Attacks
In the Krasnodar region, drones hit an oil depot near the port of Tuapse, causing a large fire that spread to nearby storage tanks. Emergency services reported that at least three oil tankers were set ablaze in the Black Sea port, with flames visible for miles. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted 12 drones over the region, but acknowledged some reached their targets.
Separately, drones struck a refinery in the Ryazan region, about 200 kilometers southeast of Moscow, causing a temporary halt in operations. Local authorities said there were no casualties, but the facility sustained damage to its distillation unit.
Impact on Energy Infrastructure
These attacks are part of a sustained Ukrainian effort to degrade Russia's oil and gas infrastructure, which funds Moscow's war effort. According to the Ukrainian military, over 30 Russian oil facilities have been hit since the start of 2026, reducing refining capacity by an estimated 15%. The strikes have also disrupted fuel supplies to Russian troops in occupied territories.
"Every ton of oil that doesn't reach the Russian army is a step toward our victory," said a Ukrainian military spokesperson, speaking on condition of anonymity. The attacks have forced Russia to import gasoline and diesel from Belarus to meet domestic demand.
Broader Context
The drone strikes come amid heightened tensions on the battlefield, with Ukrainian forces making incremental gains in the Zaporizhzhia region. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue, with U.S. President Donald Trump meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, on Wednesday. The two leaders discussed additional military aid and potential peace talks.
Russia has condemned the attacks as "terrorist acts" and vowed to retaliate. The Kremlin said it would target Ukrainian decision-making centers in response. The strikes also raise concerns about environmental damage, as burning oil releases toxic fumes into the air.
