(NOVOROSSIYSK, RUSSIA) – A series of Ukrainian drone and missile attacks has caused significant damage to Russian military and energy infrastructure in Novorossiysk, Ryazan and Saratov, including the destruction of several S400 launchers and fires at major oil refineries. Satellite images released in recent days indicate that Ukraine’s combined operations have resulted in one of the largest single losses of Russian air defence equipment since the start of the full scale invasion.
Ukrainian officials described the attacks as a coordinated operation using modified Neptune missiles and long range drones. The main target in Novorossiysk was an air defence regiment equipped with S four hundred launchers, Pantsir systems and a stockpile of missiles. Analysts say at least four launchers were destroyed.
Novorossiysk is a key port on the Black Sea and hosts part of the remaining Russian Black Sea Fleet, which relocated from occupied Crimea after earlier Ukrainian strikes damaged major naval facilities. The port also serves as an important export point for Russian oil. Damage to the terminal earlier this week had already reduced operations, and the latest military sites struck were positioned to protect this strategically important area.
Satellite images reviewed by defence experts show multiple impact points consistent with missile and drone strikes. Specialists interviewed by international monitoring groups compared the scale of this loss to earlier landmark attacks such as the sinking of the Moskva warship.
Russian air defence units in the area have been repeatedly tested by Ukrainian operations over recent months, and analysts say the destruction of several launchers is likely to further weaken Russia’s ability to protect ports used for oil storage and export. The loss also affects Russia’s capability to defend forces deployed in occupied Ukrainian regions.
In addition to the military losses, Ukrainian strikes set fire to oil refineries in Saratov and Ryazan. Both facilities produce a wide range of refined products for domestic consumption and export. Damage to these sites increases pressure on Russia’s energy sector, which has already experienced repeated disruptions from similar attacks.
Key Sites Affected
| Facility or System | Location | Reported Impact |
|---|---|---|
| S400 (4 units) | Novorossiysk | Destroyed |
| Pantsir systems | Novorossiysk | Damaged or destroyed |
| Oil refinery | Saratov | Fire and operational disruption |
| Oil refinery | Ryazan | Fire and reduced production |
| Oil export terminal | Novorossiysk | Structural damage |
Analysts say repeated strikes on oil facilities in the European part of Russia indicate that the country’s energy infrastructure remains vulnerable. They also note that industrial fires and refinery shutdowns force Russia to consider importing refined oil products. Domestic shortages would place further strain on Russia’s war economy, which has already faced budget pressure and international sanctions.
Ukrainian commentators argue that the ability to strike deeper into Russian territory with long range systems would significantly accelerate the reduction of Russia’s military and economic capacity. Western governments have supplied Ukraine with various types of weapons but have placed restrictions on their range or on the areas where they can be used. Ukraine says lifting these limits would reduce civilian casualties and shorten the conflict.