Ukraine slammed more long-range drones into Russian oil, taking aim at its most valuable industry
By Jake Epstein
Summary
Ukraine launched at least two long-range drone strikes on major Russian oil facilities on 18 September 2025, hitting a Gazprom Naftohim Salavat refinery in Bashkortostan (around 800 miles from the front) and a refinery in Volgograd (about 300 miles from the front). The Bashkortostan strike sparked fires and damage, while Ukrainian Special Operations Forces said the Volgograd attack forced a shutdown of a plant that processes roughly 15.7 million tonnes a year — nearly 6% of Russia’s refining capacity. Kyiv says these deep strikes are designed to choke Russia’s wartime revenue; Moscow claims its air defences shot down dozens of drones. Analysts note a surge in attacks on energy infrastructure in recent weeks, causing regional fuel shortages and price spikes across Russia.
Key Points
- Ukraine carried out two long-range drone strikes on major Russian oil refineries on 18 September 2025.
- Gazprom Naftohim Salavat in Bashkortostan was hit — around 800 miles from the front — causing fires and damage.
- A Volgograd refinery was also struck and, according to Ukrainian forces, temporarily shut down; it accounts for ~6% of Russia’s oil processing capacity.
- Kyiv’s campaign targets energy infrastructure to reduce revenue that supports Russia’s war effort and to create logistical strain.
- Russia’s defence ministry said it downed large numbers of drones (claimed 106 overnight) but did not admit successful hits; social media footage showed black smoke over the Bashkortostan site.
- Open-source monitors say Ukraine has hit multiple refineries since July, contributing to fuel shortages and higher prices across Russian regions, including areas previously untouched by strikes.
Context and relevance
Russia’s oil and gas sector is a major source of state revenue and has been a strategic target for Kyiv. Hitting refining and terminal infrastructure aims to degrade Moscow’s ability to finance and sustain operations. The attacks form part of a wider deep-strike campaign using long-range drones and missiles to hit both energy and military targets across Russia — an approach that changes the geography of the conflict by showing Kyiv can reach far beyond the front lines. For energy markets, logistics and regional security, continued strikes could mean prolonged supply disruptions inside Russia and ripple effects internationally.
Why should I read this?
Because this isn’t about a few isolated strikes — it’s Ukraine going after the cash cow that pays for the war. If you care about how the conflict is being funded, where pressure on Moscow is coming from, or how energy flows (and prices) might shift, this is the short read that saves you digging through patchy reports. Plus, it shows the conflict can reach deep into Russian territory — that matters.
