Ukrainian forces conducted strikes against two major oil refineries located in western Russia, according to statements from President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Bashneft-Novoil facility in Bashkortostan and the Slavneft-Yanos refinery in Yaroslavl were targeted in the operation. Zelensky indicated the refineries were positioned approximately 1,300 kilometers and 700 kilometers respectively from the Ukrainian border. Ukrainian officials characterized the attacks as part of efforts to constrain Russian financial resources devoted to military operations.
Yaroslavl regional governor Mikhail Evraev reported that the Slavneft-Yanos refinery caught fire following what he described as the largest enemy drone attack on the region. Emergency personnel deployed to combat the resulting fires, with debris from intercepted munitions striking storage tanks at the facility. Video evidence shared online and verified by BBC journalists confirmed large smoke plumes rising from the refinery site, with multiple fires visible. Regional authorities reported intercepting 93 drones in the overnight attack. Four individuals sustained injuries in the incident.
The Ukrainian operation also targeted military vessels in the Black Sea, with Zelensky stating that patrol boats and sanctioned oil tankers referred to as “shadow fleet” vessels were struck. Ukrainian officials framed the strikes as measures designed to advance diplomatic negotiations, with Zelensky stating that such attacks “strengthen chances for diplomacy.”
In reciprocal strikes, Russian forces conducted extensive drone attacks throughout Ukrainian territory. At least 11 people were killed in these operations according to Ukrainian reports. The southern city of Kherson experienced a complete electrical blackout after infrastructure facilities were damaged. Internet connectivity in the region dropped significantly overnight, falling to approximately 31 percent at its lowest point before partially recovering to around 69 percent. Casualties were reported in multiple locations including Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Odesa regions. Russian military officials stated their forces had intercepted or shot down 605 Ukrainian drones overnight and targeted fuel, energy, and transport infrastructure along with drone storage locations.
Both nations have intensified attacks on major population centers and critical infrastructure in recent weeks amid a largely static front line and failed diplomatic initiatives to resolve the conflict that began in February 2022.
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