Ukrainian Drone Attack Targets Russian Refineries
Overnight, four refineries in southern Russia were targeted in one of the largest drone swarm attacks since the onset of the Ukraine war. The Russian Defense Ministry reported intercepting and destroying 70 drones over Crimea and the Black Sea, and 43 drones over the Krasnodar region. The Afipsky, Ilsky, Krasnodar, and Astrakhan refineries were attacked.
In the Krasnodar region's Seversky district, where the Afipsky and Ilsky refineries are situated, administrative buildings sustained damage, according to the regional governor, Veniamin Kondratyev. A fire affecting 50 square meters was extinguished by morning, with two individuals reportedly injured.
These attacks follow a series of Ukrainian drone strikes targeted at disrupting Russian fuel supplies to front-line troops. Earlier strikes had damaged refineries including Rosneft’s Tuapse facility on May 17. Despite these incidents, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated that refinery repairs are proceeding swiftly, and Russia's fuel market remains stable.
Ukraine's General Staff, in coordination with the Security Service of Ukraine, confirmed the strikes, including a hit on a training ground for Iranian-made kamikaze drones in Yeisk, Krasnodar. These facilities are pivotal for producing fuel oil for Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, which could face logistical challenges due to the attacks.
The Russian Defense Ministry also noted the destruction of six naval drones in the Black Sea. Ukrainian forces have increasingly relied on advanced drone technology, mirroring similar developments in Russian tactics.
Concurrently, Moscow has been bolstering its defenses and modifying its fuel export restrictions, which were temporarily lifted due to increased domestic supplies. Discussions are ongoing about continuing overseas shipments beyond June.
Overall, the conflict continues to escalate in the domain of UAV warfare, emphasizing significant shifts in modern military strategies.