Ukrainian drones hit major Russian refinery, escalating conflict

On September 24, 2025, Ukrainian drones flew nearly 1,000 miles into Russian territory targeting one of the nation’s largest oil refineries, the Gazprom Neftekhim facility located in Bashkortostan. This attack marks the second assault on the plant within the past week, part of Ukraine's ongoing strategy to disrupt Russian energy infrastructure. Footage that circulated online indicated significant damage, with large columns of black smoke emerging from the site as reported by local authorities and verified by independent sources. The Security Service of Ukraine, known as SBU, coordinated the operation, which ignited a fire at the refinery, a key asset that produces various petrochemical products vital for the Russian war effort. The regional governor, Radiy Khabirov, confirmed the attacks and assured that emergency services were working to extinguish the flames. Since the conflict escalated, there has been a noticeable increase in Ukrainian attacks targeting energy installations that support the Russian military operations. Moreover, these strikes aim to interrupt the production and supply of energy resources essential for Russian military capabilities. Over the last few months, Ukraine has intensified its campaign against Russian energy facilities as part of their military strategy, recognizing them as valid military targets due to their role in supporting Russian forces. The initiative is designed not only to produce immediate disruptions but also to create long-term impacts by affecting fuel supplies. The broader implications of these strikes are significant. Russia's energy sector has faced increasing pressure due to military actions, which has led to official admissions of power shortages. Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin recently acknowledged that gas supplies in the country, particularly in the Far East, are falling short of demand. The increasing frequency and effectiveness of Ukrainian drone operations are indicative of Ukraine's strategic adaptation in the ongoing conflict and signal a worrying trend for Russia's energy stability amidst rising tensions.