Ukraine Strikes Two Russian Oil Refineries, Fueling Battle‑Intensity

In a coordinated strike that deep–involved Russian territory, Ukraine destroyed the Bashneft‑Novoil refinery in the Bashkortostan republic and the Slavneft‑Yanos refinery near the city of Yaroslavl.

President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the attacks aimed to cut off oil revenue that Moscow uses to finance the war. He said the Bashneft‑Novoil plant, some 1,300 km (808 miles) from Ukraine’s frontier, and the Slavneft‑Yanos base, roughly 700 km (435 miles) away, were hit mid‑night.

Yaroslavl governor Mikhail Evraev reported that sludge‑filled storage tanks were ablaze after a large drone strike. Four civilians suffered injuries and the crew of the refinery worked to extinguish the fire amid soaring temperatures.

Across the front, Ukraine also struck patrol boats and “shadow fleet” vessels in the Black Sea. These ships, widely used to smuggle sanctioned oil, were damaged amid the night‑time assault.

In the south, the city of Kherson lost all electricity after a “critical infrastructure” node failed overnight. Internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported connectivity dropping to 31 % at its lowest moment, improving to 69 % by noon.

Meanwhile, Russian forces claimed to have shot down 605 Ukrainian drones that night, claiming hits on fuel, energy and transport facilities across Eastern Ukraine. Ukraine’s state emergency service reported 11 casualties in the strikes, while local officials in Buzzabo and the Kharkiv region confirmed two deaths at the Balakliya train station and two more in Balakliya houses.

The clashes underline the static nature of front‑line combat and the prioritisation of strategic assets. Zelensky urged that “Russia must choose peace” and noted that each strike could strengthen diplomatic chances.

Source: BBC News and local authorities.