Ukraine’s military intelligence agency confirmed on Saturday, September 13, that a drone strike targeted one of Russia’s largest oil refineries, located roughly 1,400 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The attack hit the Bashneft oil refining complex near Ufa, the capital of Russia’s Bashkortostan region.
According to regional governor Radiy Khabirov, one drone impacted the facility while another was intercepted. He described the incident on Telegram as a “terrorist attack by aircraft-type drones,” noting that the strike caused only minor damage.
“There were no casualties or injuries. The production site sustained minor damage, and a fire broke out, which is currently being extinguished,” Khabirov said. Videos circulating on social media appeared to show a drone approaching the refinery, exploding on impact, and sending a plume of smoke into the air.
A source within Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence agency claimed responsibility for the operation. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian forces have repeatedly targeted oil infrastructure in an effort to weaken Moscow’s war economy. The Bashneft facility, according to a 2016 Kremlin statement, is one of the country’s largest, producing over 150 types of oil products.
In response to continued Russian oil exports, former U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday urged NATO allies to halt purchases of Russian crude to increase economic pressure on Moscow. Despite international sanctions, member states such as Turkey, Hungary, and Slovakia continue to import Russian oil.
Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refining infrastructure throughout the summer have already led to temporary shutdowns at several facilities and have contributed to rising fuel prices across the region.
