On Saturday, a Ukrainian drone attack targeted one of Russia’s largest oil refining facilities, located on the outskirts of Ufa, the central Russian city approximately 1,400 kilometers from the frontline in Ukraine. The Bashneft-owned complex sustained minor damage and a fire, which is currently being extinguished, according to Russian officials.
Radily Khabirov, Head of Russia’s Bashkortostan region, confirmed via Telegram that the facility came under attack from multiple aircraft-type drones. One drone crashed into the plant, causing a fire, while another was successfully shot down. Fortunately, there were no casualties or injuries reported.
Social media videos circulated shortly after the incident showed a drone drifting toward the complex before detonating in a fiery explosion, releasing plumes of smoke into the sky.
Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, GUR, claimed responsibility for the strike as part of Kyiv’s ongoing campaign to disrupt Russia’s economic resources supporting its military offensive. Since Russia began its full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has increasingly targeted oil refineries and fuel infrastructure to limit Moscow’s war funding capabilities.
Over the summer months, a series of Ukrainian attacks severely affected processing capacities at several key refineries in Russia, triggering spikes in fuel prices across the region.
The Bashneft Ufa refinery, deemed by the Kremlin in 2016 as “one of the largest in the country,” produces over 150 different oil products, making it a strategic asset in Russia’s energy and military supply chain. This recent assault is viewed as a significant blow to Russia’s refining operations and a testament to Ukraine’s sustained pressure on key economic targets.
