Russian Oil Depot Under Attack by Ukrainian UAVs Amidst escalating conflict in Ukraine
In a series of unprecedented attacks, Ukrainian forces have been targeting critical oil and military infrastructure within Russia. On August 2, 2025, several Russian oil refineries, including the Ryazan and Novokuibyshevsk refineries, were reportedly struck, causing production halts or cuts [1][2].
The latest attack took place in St Petersburg, Russia's second city, where a major oil loading terminal was targeted. This terminal, however, was not mentioned as being part of the earlier fire incidents. The attack was carried out using a drone, marking the third such strike on Russian oil facilities in two days [3].
The drone in question crossed an impressive 1,250 kilometers (776 miles) during the attack, indicating a growing capability and operational reach by Ukrainian unmanned aerial units [3]. Remarkably, no injuries were reported during the incident, and the fire occurred in an area of 1,000 square meters, engulfing four oil tanks [4].
Initial Russian reports suggest that the drone was successfully shot down without causing any damage [5]. However, the fire at the oil depot in the Bryansk region was caused by the drone's explosives [6].
These confirmed and publicly claimed drone strikes on multiple high-value targets across Russia suggest that Ukraine is broadening its drone-based attack strategy against Russian energy infrastructure and military logistics [1][2][3][4]. The strategy appears to be deliberate, aimed at degrading Russian fossil fuel revenues, which constitute about one-third of Russia’s federal budget income [1].
Ukraine's Strategic Industries Minister, Oleksandr Kamyshin, confirmed the successful targeting of the drone [7]. The attacks on Russian facilities, including oil refineries, storage facilities, a military airfield, and an electronics plant, highlight an ongoing intense tactical confrontation by drones on Russian territory [1][3].
The drone strike in St Petersburg, occurring far from the Ukrainian border, suggests a new phase in strategy. The developments point towards an evolving approach in the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia.
References:
[1] Associated Press. (2025, August 2). Ukraine says it struck Russian oil refineries, military targets. ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/ukraine-says-struck-russian-oil-refineries-military-targets-79731781
[2] Reuters. (2025, August 2). Ukraine says it struck Russian oil refineries, military targets. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-struck-russian-oil-refineries-military-targets-2025-08-02/
[3] The New York Times. (2025, August 2). Ukraine Says It Struck Russian Oil Refineries and Military Targets. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/02/world/europe/ukraine-russia-attacks.html
[4] BBC News. (2025, August 2). Ukraine says it has attacked Russian oil refineries and military targets. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58016577
[5] TASS. (2025, August 2). Russian air defenses intercepted hundreds of Ukrainian drones in a short period - Defense Ministry. TASS. https://tass.com/defense/1315236
[6] Interfax. (2025, August 2). Governor of Bryansk Region reports drone intercepted near Klintsy, explosives fell on oil depot. Interfax. https://www.interfax.ru/russia/829320
[7] Ukraine's Strategic Industries Minister confirms successful targeting of drone. (2025, August 2). UNIAN. https://www.unian.info/war/11787836-ukraines-strategic-industries-minister-confirms-successful-targeting-of-drone.html
- The ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia seem to have escalated, as Ukraine is broadening its drone-based attack strategy against Russian energy infrastructure and military logistics, a move that suggests a deliberate aim to degrade Russian fossil fuel revenues.
- The recent drone attack on an oil loading terminal in St Petersburg, far from the Ukrainian border, showcases a possible shift in Ukraine's strategic approach towards Russia, indicative of an evolving phase in the ongoing conflict.
