Ukraine's Defense Intelligence (DIU) conducted a significant drone attack on the Bashneft-Novoil oil refinery in Ufa, Republic of Bashkortostan, Russia, on September 12, 2025. This operation represents one of the most extensive deep-reaching strikes of the ongoing conflict, targeting critical infrastructure located approximately 1,400 kilometers (870 miles) from the front lines.
The assault, reportedly executed with kamikaze drones, resulted in powerful explosions and a substantial fire at the facility. Preliminary assessments indicate damage to crucial infrastructure, including a vacuum distillation unit essential for primary oil processing. Local residents reported hearing drones followed by explosions, highlighting the immediate impact of the strike.
In response to the incident, regional authorities issued a drone threat alert, and airport operations in Ufa were temporarily suspended. The Bashneft-Novoil refinery is a key component of Russia's energy sector, with a processing capacity of up to 168,000 barrels of oil per day.
The strategic targeting of such facilities aligns with Ukraine's broader campaign to disrupt Russia's energy sector and its war financing capabilities. This incident follows earlier drone attacks in Russia's Belgorod region on September 9, which targeted oil storage tanks, demonstrating a sustained effort by Ukraine to degrade Russian energy infrastructure.
These deep-reaching strikes underscore Ukraine's advancing drone capabilities, extending the conflict's impact into Russia's economic heartland. The disruption of refining capacity has been noted to affect global refining profit margins, potentially benefiting refineries outside of Russia.
Analysis suggests that Ukrainian drone attacks have already idled a significant portion of Russia's refining capacity, contributing to domestic fuel shortages and price increases. This strategic approach aims to exert economic pressure on the Kremlin, complementing international sanctions. The effectiveness of these operations highlights vulnerabilities in Russia's air defense systems, which are stretched thin across its vast territory.
The ongoing contest between Ukraine's strike capabilities and Russia's defense mechanisms continues to shape the conflict's trajectory, with a focus on disrupting revenue streams that fuel the war effort.