Ukraine & Russia (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Ukraine’s military has confirmed successful strikes on a Russian oil refinery in the Krasnodar region and an oil terminal in the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. These attacks are part of Ukraine’s intensified long-range campaign targeting Russian energy infrastructure to hinder its military operations.
Ukraine targets key Russian energy infrastructure
The Ukrainian General Staff announced strikes against the Tuapse oil refinery in the Krasnodar region and the Sheskharis oil terminal at Novorossiysk port, vital installations for Russian fuel supply. The attacks, conducted by Ukrainian drone forces and other defence units, aim to reduce Russia’s offensive capacity by disrupting fuel and ammunition supply lines crucial for military operations.
Strategic impact and wider drone campaign
Ukraine has increasingly focused on energy infrastructure strikes throughout the conflict, targeting multiple oil refineries and depots across southern Russia, including the Afipsky refinery and facilities near Moscow. Since August 2025, drone attacks have significantly curtailed Russia’s refining capacity, cutting exports to below pre-war levels and creating fuel shortages that hinder frontline operations.
Effects on Russian military and logistics
The General Staff highlighted that hitting loading and unloading equipment at the Novorossiysk terminal restricts Russia’s ability to move oil products efficiently. Additionally, a large Russian A-60 reconnaissance aircraft and a landing ship docked near a naval base at Novorossiysk sustained damage in the strike operations. Officials say this strategy strains Russian logistics and diminishes operational readiness.
Retaliatory strikes and ongoing escalation
This latest Ukrainian offensive follows a series of Russian drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities like Kyiv, which have caused infrastructure damage and civilian casualties. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned Russian offensives and emphasised Ukraine’s commitment to defending its territory and people through continued retaliatory measures.