Ukraine Drone Strikes Shut Down Three Russian Oil Refineries

The General Staff of the Ukrainian Army conducted a series of overnight drone strikes between September 25 and 26, targeting energy infrastructure across Russia. The operations hit refineries in Perm, Novoshakhtinsk, and the Moscow region, as well as an electronics plant and two radar systems. The Perm oil refinery, Russia's seventh-largest, ceased operations after drones damaged pipelines and storage units. In the Rostov region, the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery suspended operations following a strike, marking the second such shutdown since August 25.

In Krasnodar Krai, drones struck the A.A. Shamar Ilsky Oil Refinery. Governor Veniamin Kondratyev reported casualties and damage to two businesses at the site. While the Russian defense ministry claimed to have downed 645 drones nationwide, Governor Yuri Slyusar reported that approximately 50 drones were destroyed across eight districts in the Rostov region. In response to the attacks, the Rostov regional government issued a decree banning the filming of airstrikes and military locations.

These strikes are part of a 2026 campaign involving over 70 attacks on Russian refineries, which Ukraine claims has destroyed 45% of Russia's refining capacity. The disruptions have led to the lowest refining volumes since 2002 and severe fuel shortages. By mid-September, AI-92 and AI-95 gasoline were unavailable at nearly 45% and 53% of gas stations, respectively, prompting Russian authorities to seek ways to stabilize the market through increased production and imports.