Ukraine Launches Coordinated Drone Strikes on Russian and Crimean Energy Infrastructure
Ukraine reportedly targeted multiple oil refineries, a petrochemical plant, and fuel depots across Russia and occupied Crimea in a coordinated overnight drone campaign. Affected sites included facilities in Ulyanovsk, Stavropol Krai, Mari El, and two locations near Simferopol. Russian authorities reported fires, temporary airport closures, and drone interceptions, but independent verification and details on damage remain limited. The strikes align with Ukraine's strategy to disrupt Russian military logistics and energy supply chains.
In a significant escalation, Ukraine conducted overnight drone strikes targeting key oil and chemical infrastructure deep inside Russia and occupied Crimea. Reported targets included the NS-Oil facility in Ulyanovsk region, the Stavrolen petrochemical complex in Stavropol Krai, the Mari Oil Refinery in Mari El, and two fuel depots near Simferopol in Crimea. Russian authorities confirmed fires at some sites and temporary airspace restrictions, as many drones were reportedly intercepted. However, independent verification of the extent of damage and operational impact is lacking. Videos circulating on social media and reports from Ukrainian and Russian outlets described large fires and explosions, with local officials in some areas acknowledging incidents but providing few specifics on damage. The overnight strikes coincided with widespread drone activity that prompted the temporary closure of up to 13 Russian airports as air defenses were activated. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted about 100 drones, though this figure could not be independently confirmed. Alongside aerial attacks, Ukrainian sources reported sabotage actions against rail infrastructure in southern Ukraine, disrupting Russian military logistics. The targeted facilities play critical roles in Russia's energy and petrochemical supply chains, with the Stavrolen plant being a major producer of polymers, and the Crimean fuel depots supporting military operations on the peninsula. The strikes reflect a months-long Ukrainian effort to degrade Russia's energy infrastructure and military logistics. While the immediate operational impact remains unclear, sustained attacks on refining and storage capacities could hinder Russian fuel distribution and transport planning. This campaign marks one of the most geographically dispersed nights of strikes on Russian energy targets since the conflict began.
