Ukraine slammed more long-range drones into Russian oil, taking aim at its most valuable industry
Summary
Ukraine launched long-range drone strikes against major Russian oil facilities on 18 September 2025, hitting refineries in Bashkortostan (Gazprom Naftohim Salavat) and Volgograd. Ukrainian sources and the Special Operations Forces reported fires, damage and at least one refinery shutdown; Russian authorities said air defences downed large numbers of drones but did not acknowledge successful attacks. The strikes are part of a recent intensification of deep strikes on energy infrastructure aimed at curbing Moscow’s revenue streams that help fund the war.
Article Date: 2025-09-18T16:08:31+00:00
Article URL: https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-increased-drone-attacks-russian-oil-sites-targeting-key-industry-2025-9
Article Image: https://i.insider.com/68cc0257f9db348adc0bb4b9?width=700
Key Points
- Ukraine struck at least two major Russian oil refineries using long-range drones, causing fires and reported damage.
- Targets included Gazprom Naftohim Salavat in Bashkortostan (~800 miles from front lines) and a large refinery in Volgograd (~300 miles from front).
- Kyiv’s campaign is designed to cut oil revenue that helps fund Russia’s war effort and to create logistical and fuel shortages across Russia.
- Open-source investigators count dozens of strikes on multiple refineries since July, contributing to regional fuel price spikes and supply disruptions.
- Moscow says its air defences shot down many drones; Ukraine says deep strikes show there are ‘no safe regions’ for Russian infrastructure.
Content Summary
In the latest phase of its deep-strike campaign, Ukraine used long-range unmanned systems to target high-value elements of Russia’s oil industry. The Bashkortostan facility attacked is among Russia’s largest refining and petrochemical complexes; footage on social media showed thick black smoke. Separately, Ukrainian forces reported the Volgograd refinery — processing some 15.7 million tonnes a year and about 6% of Russia’s refining capacity — was forced to shut down after a strike.
Analysts and investigators tracking the strikes say Ukraine has carried out numerous attacks on refineries since early July, and that the cumulative effect is visible in fuel shortages and sharp price increases across many Russian regions, including areas previously untouched by strikes. The campaign complements strikes on military sites and appears aimed at squeezing Moscow financially while eroding logistical resilience.
Context and Relevance
Why this matters: Russia’s oil and gas sector is a cornerstone of its economy and a key funding source for its military operations. By damaging refineries and terminals, Ukraine aims to reduce export capacity, raise domestic fuel prices in Russia, and complicate supply lines — all of which can constrain Moscow’s ability to sustain large-scale operations. The strikes also demonstrate Kyiv’s growing reach with long-range drones and missiles, and they raise questions about escalation, defensive depth and infrastructure vulnerability in modern conflicts.
Author style
Punchy: This story isn’t just another battlefield update — it’s about a strategic squeeze on Russia’s wallet. Read the detail if you want to understand how Ukraine’s deep strikes could reshape the economic and logistical balance of the war.
Why should I read this?
Short answer: because it’s hitting Russia where it hurts. If you’re tracking the war’s economic pressure points or the evolution of long-range drone warfare, this piece gives a quick snapshot of a campaign that is forcing fuel shortages, pushing prices up and potentially reducing the Kremlin’s warfighting funds. We’ve done the reading so you can see the trend fast.
