(BASHKORTOSTAN/TUAPSE, RUSSIA – ) – Ukrainian forces have intensified attacks on Russia’s oil and gas infrastructure, causing widespread fuel shortages and escalating the crisis across Russian-controlled territories. Drone strikes targeted the Bashkortostan oil refinery, one of Russia’s largest, located over 1,300 km from the Ukrainian border, as well as the oil export terminal in Tuapse on the Black Sea coast. Satellite imagery shows fires at key facilities, despite the presence of air defence systems and protective measures.
The Bashkortostan refinery, operated by Gazprom, produces over 10 million tonnes of oil products annually. A separate gas processing plant in Astrakhan halted operations after a drone strike on September 22, which damaged facilities responsible for producing around 800,000 tonnes of gasoline, 600,000 tonnes of diesel, and 300,000 tonnes of fuel oil annually. Ukrainian attacks have also damaged pumping stations along the Kubashev-Tikarat oil pipeline, disrupting exports from Russia and Kazakhstan to Black Sea ports.
| Facility | Annual Production (2024) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Bashkortostan Refinery | 10 million tonnes | On fire |
| Astrakhan Gas Plant | 1.8 million tonnes condensate | Shut down |
| Kubashev-Tikarat Pipeline | N/A | 2 pumping stations destroyed |
The fuel shortage has left many gas stations in Crimea empty, forcing drivers to travel long distances for gasoline. Prices have surged at the few stations still operating, with 92 octane fuel rising from 58 to 71 rubles (~$0.75 to $0.92 per litre) and 95 octane from 63 to 74 rubles (~$0.82 to $0.96 per litre). Locals on the ground say civilian transport across Russian occupied territories is increasingly restricted as fuel scarcity worsens.
Ukraine has also targeted military assets, downing a Su-34 bomber and two An-26 transport planes in Crimea, and striking coastal radar stations. Ukrainian forces continue to demonstrate drone capabilities, launching unmanned boats equipped with FPV drones to attack Russian industrial and military sites, causing repeated equipment losses every 48 hours.
Meanwhile, Russia maintains aggressive operations in Ukraine, launching 152 drones against cities including Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia, causing civilian casualties. Ukrainian authorities report Russian forces have continued using brutal tactics against civilians, including killings and the taking of children as human shields.
Internationally, support for Ukraine remains robust. Canada recently committed $2.6 billion in aid, including $92 million for cybersecurity, while Poland and other NATO countries endorse defensive measures, such as intercepting Russian aircraft violating their airspace. Former US president Donald Trump publicly acknowledged Ukraine’s capacity to reclaim territory, though his influence on sanctions and military policy remains limited.
At the UN General Assembly, Poland’s foreign minister called on continued international backing for Ukraine, emphasising the country’s sovereignty and historical identity. He warned that without sustained pressure, Russia’s war strategy will continue to inflict humanitarian and economic harm.