Ukrainian Drone Strikes Hit Russian Refineries and Naval Base

The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed a series of drone strikes across Russian territory on August 11 and 12, targeting critical economic and military infrastructure. In Novorossiysk, attacks on a Black Sea naval base hit air defense positions, piers, and seaport infrastructure. These strikes killed three people, including an eight-year-old child, and injured eight others. Mayor Andrei Kravchenko declared a state of emergency in Novorossiysk after the strikes ruptured two water mains and damaged educational facilities.

Beyond the naval base, drone debris caused casualties and damage across the Kuban region. In the village of Volna, a man died after debris fell on a private house, while further injuries and property damage were reported in Anapa and Gelendzhik. Governor Veniamin Kondratyev noted that repeated attacks on regional oil refineries have triggered a fuel crisis in Krasnodar Krai, leading to a surge in demand and costs for vehicle gas cylinder equipment.

Simultaneously, Ukraine struck the Orsknefteorgsintez oil refinery in Orsk, one of Russia's largest processing plants. The attack caused a fire at the facility, which processes approximately 6 million metric tons of crude oil annually. Ukraine stated these operations are part of a strategy to restrict the Kremlin's war financing and pressure Moscow toward peace. Additional strikes during this wave resulted in deaths in the Belgorod region, Crimea, and the Russian-controlled Luhansk region.