Topic overview
In brief
- Ukrainian Armed Forces struck the Slavneft-Yanos and Bashneft-Novoil oil refineries on August 5 and 6, 2026.
- The strikes resulted in significant damage and fires at both facilities, with assessments ongoing.
- These actions are part of Ukraine's strategy to limit Russia's oil profits and military capabilities.
Summary
On August 5 and during the night of August 6, 2026, the Ukrainian Armed Forces targeted two significant oil refineries in Russia, namely the Slavneft-Yanos refinery in Yaroslavl and the Bashneft-Novoil refinery in Ufa. These strikes were part of Ukraine's ongoing military efforts to disrupt Russian oil production, which is crucial for financing the ongoing conflict. The Slavneft-Yanos refinery, located approximately 435 miles from Ukraine, experienced a direct hit that resulted in multiple fire outbreaks, while the Bashneft-Novoil refinery, situated in Bashkortostan over 800 miles away, also sustained damage. The extent of the damage at both facilities is currently being assessed.
In addition to the strikes on the oil refineries, Ukrainian forces also targeted two ground-based relay stations used for controlling combat drones in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. These relay stations were essential for the Russian military's operations, allowing them to maintain control over unmanned aerial vehicles. The strikes on these facilities indicate a strategic move by Ukraine to weaken Russia's military capabilities and disrupt their supply lines.