Ukrainian drones have recently targeted several Russian oil refineries, leading to significant fires and operational disruptions. These attacks are part of Ukraine's ongoing strategy to disrupt Russia's energy infrastructure amid the ongoing conflict.
On August 2, 2025, multiple Russian regions reported explosions and fires at industrial facilities due to overnight drone attacks. In Samara Oblast, the Novokuybyshevsk Oil Refinery was struck, resulting in a large fire. The governor of Samara Oblast confirmed the attack and announced temporary restrictions on mobile internet and the suspension of operations at Samara airport. Additionally, defense-related facilities in Penza Oblast were targeted, with reports indicating strikes on companies specializing in control elements for Russian missile systems and communications equipment. Witnesses also reported explosions near Dyagilevo airfield in Ryazan Oblast, where another oil refinery was reportedly struck, causing a column of fire. Regional authorities confirmed drone attacks on a local enterprise without specifying which facility was targeted. Residents of Lipetsk and Voronezh oblasts also reported UAV attacks and air defense activity during the night. These incidents highlight the ongoing efforts to disrupt Russia's energy infrastructure.
Earlier, on July 16, 2025, Ukrainian drones attacked three Russian oil refineries in Riazan, Kstovo (Nizhniy Novgorod region), and Kirisha (Leningrad region). These strikes were part of Ukraine's ongoing special operation targeting Russia's oil refineries, aiming to deplete Russia's economic potential by reducing the flow of petro-money and fuel used to fund military operations.
In January 2025, Ukrainian drones targeted the Ryazan Oil Refinery, one of Russia's largest, causing fires at the facility's production units and the Ryazan oil pumping station. The refinery, with a processing capacity of 17 million tonnes of oil per year, suspended operations following the attack.
These attacks underscore the strategic importance of energy infrastructure in the ongoing conflict, with both sides targeting facilities to disrupt the other's operations and economic stability.