Ukraine strikes key Russian refinery in extended drone offensive

Friday 12 December 2025 - 17:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Ukraine strikes key Russian refinery in extended drone offensive

A series of Ukrainian drone attacks has hit a major oil refinery in the Russian city of Yaroslavl, more than 700 kilometers from the border, marking one of the deepest strikes into Russian territory since the start of the conflict. The overnight assault ignited a fire at the Slavneft-YANOS refinery, one of Russia’s five largest oil-processing facilities, underscoring Kyiv’s growing capacity to target strategic assets far from the front lines.

Residents reported several loud explosions before a large blaze illuminated the industrial outskirts of the city. Russian authorities claimed that most incoming drones were intercepted, though fragments are believed to have caused the fire. The refinery processes around 15 million tons of crude oil annually, supplying fuel to both civilian industries and the military sector across central and northwestern Russia.

The attack marks the second strike on the facility in six weeks, following an earlier hit in late October. It forms part of a sustained campaign by Ukraine aimed at disrupting Russia’s energy production and export capacity, which are vital sources of government revenue. Independent data suggest that Ukrainian operations against Russian energy infrastructure have intensified sharply since mid-2025, with repeated strikes preventing rapid repairs and prolonging production outages.

Beyond Yaroslavl, Russian officials reported incidents in other regions, including Tver, where falling drone debris damaged residential buildings and injured several people. Flights from Sheremetyevo Airport near Moscow were temporarily suspended during the overnight alert, heightening concerns over the growing reach of Ukrainian unmanned operations.

Military analysts describe the strikes as a deliberate economic strategy designed to weaken Russia’s war economy rather than an attempt at direct territorial gain. By targeting refineries and fuel depots deep inside the country, Ukraine appears to be applying sustained pressure on Russia’s logistical backbone while demonstrating both tactical precision and escalating capability.