(KYIV) – Ukrainian forces have continued their campaign of long-range strikes against Russian military and economic targets, neutralising an oil refinery more than 2,000 kilometres from the Ukrainian border and destroying three bridges used for Russian logistics in occupied Crimea.
The strike on the oil refinery in the Tyumen region, a resource-rich area in western Siberia, was carried out by Ukrainian drones. The facility produced more than 8 million tonnes of petroleum products annually. The operation demonstrates Ukraine’s expanding reach, with drones now capable of travelling deep into Russian territory. The strike was confirmed by Ukrainian military sources, who released footage of the operation.
The Tyumen refinery is one of several facilities across Russia that have been targeted in recent weeks. Ukrainian drones have conducted repeated strikes on oil infrastructure in Moscow, St Petersburg and other regions, creating fuel shortages that have affected more than 35 Russian regions. The attacks have disrupted Russia’s ability to produce and distribute fuel for both military and civilian purposes.
In Crimea, Ukrainian forces have destroyed three bridges that connected the peninsula to the mainland, further isolating Russian forces. The bridges were critical for Russian military logistics, providing supply routes for the occupation forces. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov recently stated that Crimea could become an “island,” a metaphor suggesting that all land connections to the peninsula would be severed. The destruction of the bridges has made it increasingly difficult for Russian forces to resupply their positions in Crimea.
The Russian army has also stopped using the Kerch Bridge actively, according to Ukrainian sources, as Ukrainian drone operations have rendered the crossing unsafe. The bridge, which was opened by the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in 2018, has become a key target for Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian drone operators have conducted surveillance on both sides of the bridge, and operations have intensified in recent days.
The long-range strikes have changed public opinion inside Russia, with more Russians expressing anti-war and anti-Putin sentiments. Social media posts and videos show Russian citizens complaining about fuel shortages, rising prices and the impact of the war on their daily lives. Many have begun referring to the conflict as a “war” rather than the Kremlin’s preferred term “special military operation.” Ukrainian officials have noted that the strikes have made the consequences of the war tangible for Russian civilians.
The Russian economy is also showing signs of strain, with two thirds of tax revenue being directed towards military operations. The Russian central bank, led by Elvira Nabiullina, is reportedly under pressure from Putin to print more money, a move that economists warn could exacerbate inflation. Nabiullina, who was absent from the St Petersburg Economic Forum, has faced speculation about her relationship with Putin.
Ukraine has also announced the development of its own ballistic missile programme, which defence officials said would significantly enhance the country’s strike capabilities. Ballistic missiles deliver a different type of destructive force compared with drones, and their production places Ukraine among a select group of nations capable of manufacturing such weapons. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed the programme in a recent interview.
The strikes on Russian territory have been conducted without prior permission from international partners, as Ukrainian officials have stated that they do not require permission to defend themselves. The campaign has targeted legitimate military sites, including oil refineries that supply the Russian war machine, surveillance centres and logistical infrastructure.
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