(SAMARA, RUSSIA) – Ukraine has struck two major Russian oil refineries in Samara and Saratov regions, intensifying pressure on the Kremlin’s most important source of war funding. The attacks, confirmed by Ukrainian officials, caused large fires at the facilities, which produce millions of tonnes of fuel annually and supply the Russian military.
The Saratov refinery has now been targeted six times since early 2024, while the Samara plant has also faced repeated strikes. Despite the frequency of these attacks, Russia has failed to organise air defences capable of protecting the infrastructure. Analysts say Ukraine’s ability to sustain repeated drone operations marks a significant advance from its 2024 campaign.
Russia’s oil and gas revenues have traditionally accounted for between one-third and one-half of its federal budget. Reuters has reported that Transneft, the state pipeline operator, recently warned producers they may be forced to cut output as a result of the continuing Ukrainian strikes. Shortages are already being felt across Russia, with fuel prices surging and motorists reporting empty pumps nationwide.
| Russian Refinery Strikes (2024–2025) | Location | Times Targeted |
|---|---|---|
| Saratov Refinery | Saratov Oblast | 6 (5 in 2025 alone) |
| Samara Refinery | Samara Oblast | 3 |
Ukraine has also attacked oil pumping stations in Samara and Volgograd, further disrupting supplies. Ukrainian officials argue that striking such infrastructure directly weakens Russia’s ability to wage war and increases domestic discontent.
At the same time, Ukrainian forces continue to hit military assets in Crimea. Recent strikes destroyed three Russian Mi-8 helicopters and a radar system near Simferopol. Ukrainian intelligence released footage of the operation, highlighting the increasing vulnerability of Russian equipment on the peninsula.
Russia has responded with a large-scale air campaign, launching more than 600 drones and missiles in a single night. Strikes included the use of cluster munitions against civilian areas in Dnipro, killing at least one person and injuring more than two dozen. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the assault as deliberate terrorism, calling for stronger international action, greater air defence support, and harsher sanctions against Russia’s economy.
Ukraine is also advancing new defensive technology. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced plans to produce up to 1,000 interceptor drones daily, capable of shooting down Iranian-made Shahed drones used by Russia. The drones, which cost around $2,000 each, are cheaper to produce than Russia’s long-range systems and have shown up to 90 percent effectiveness in tests. Ukrainian officials say mass production could soon neutralise much of Russia’s drone campaign.
Meanwhile, Russia has escalated provocations against NATO. Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonian airspace for 12 minutes with their transponders switched off. Estonia released flight path evidence after Moscow denied the incursion and has asked NATO to invoke Article 4, which requires urgent consultations among members.
Similar violations occurred in 2015 when Russian aircraft repeatedly entered Turkish airspace during operations in Syria. Turkey warned Moscow of changed rules of engagement and eventually shot down a Russian jet, an incident that forced Russia to stop such incursions. Analysts warn NATO may face similar decisions today.
Ukrainian officials argue these repeated violations are part of a broader campaign of destabilisation targeting European countries. Zelensky urged collective and individual sanctions, calling for strong measures to raise the cost of Russian aggression.
The European Union recently unveiled its 19th package of sanctions against Russia, adding restrictions on companies and individuals linked to the war effort. Meanwhile, in Moscow, another Russian businessman, Alexander Tyunin, a senior manager in the carbon fibre sector tied to drone production, was found dead under unclear circumstances. His death adds to a growing list of suspicious fatalities among Russian business figures since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.
Ukraine insists that sustained strikes on military and energy infrastructure will continue, aimed at eroding Russia’s war-making capacity. At the same time, Kyiv is working to expand international support, urging partners to increase weapons deliveries and maintain strong economic pressure.
