Ukraine Drones Hit Two Russian Oil Refineries

Ukrainian forces carried out long-range drone strikes on Thursday against two oil refineries inside Russia, hitting facilities located as far as 1,300 kilometres from the frontline, officials said. The targets were the Bashneft-Novoil refinery in Bashkortostan and the Slavneft-YANOS facility in the Yaroslavl region.

Ukrainian officials framed the operation as an attempt to pressure Russia’s war-related financing by disrupting energy infrastructure linked to revenue generation. The strikes were presented as part of a wider effort to reduce Russia’s economic capacity to sustain military operations.

Russian overnight attacks reported in Kharkiv and Sumy

The drone operation came as Russia intensified aerial attacks on Ukrainian territory, officials said. Overnight strikes in the Kharkiv and Sumy regions were reported to have killed six people and injured 36 others.

The latest casualties underline the pace of reciprocal attacks affecting civilian areas and critical facilities on both sides. Officials did not provide further breakdowns in the available information, and independent verification details were not included in the account.

Air defence shortages and NATO supply review

Ukraine is facing acute shortages in air defence capabilities, according to the same account, as Russia’s aerial campaign continues. In that context, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said he would pursue an urgent review of supply options to strengthen protection of Ukrainian airspace.

The stated objective is to improve the ability to intercept missiles and drones amid ongoing strikes. The scope, timing, and specific systems to be covered by the review were not detailed.

How long-range drones fit into Ukraine’s strategy

Officials said the mechanism behind the refinery attacks relies on long-range unmanned aerial systems designed to reach beyond the immediate battle zone. The approach is described as a way to bypass traditional frontline defences and impose costs through damage to infrastructure.

Such operations, together with Russia’s continued strikes on Ukraine, have contributed to a cycle of retaliation and repeated damage to strategic assets. The account described this dynamic as adding further strain to regional stability, with the situation evolving rapidly and outcomes uncertain.

Diplomatic contacts expected later this month

Officials said diplomatic activity is expected to intensify later this month. US negotiators are scheduled to travel to Kyiv to discuss potential licensing agreements related to domestic production of Patriot missiles.

The talks, as described, would focus on potential arrangements for producing Patriot missiles inside Ukraine. No additional terms, timelines, or expected results were provided.