Ukrainian drones attacked two Russian oil refineries in the early hours of August 28, causing major fires and signaling a renewed campaign against critical infrastructure.
Increasing Number of Attacks on Refineries
Recent attacks occurred overnight on August 27–28, targeting the Afipskij refinery near the eponymous city in Krasnodar Krai, southern Russia, and the Nowokujbyszewsk refinery near the central Russian city of Samara. Videos from both sites show significant fires. Local media also reported that at least a dozen drones struck facilities.
Local Authorities Describe Unusual Attack Style
Authorities in Krasnodar Krai confirmed the attack in Afipskij in the typical Russian style, describing it as “a fire caused by falling debris.” This suggests Ukrainian drones were shot down but accidentally hit flammable materials. Such explanations often mask the truth, avoiding direct acknowledgment of hostile actions.
Ukrainian Campaign Resumes
Ukrainians have intensified their attack campaign on refineries for about a month, following a year-long pause. In 2024, the Biden administration pressured Ukraine to avoid targeting Russian petrochemical infrastructure, deeming it provocative and escalatory. However, amid rising tensions, the campaign resumed in late July, before Biden’s meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, beginning with an attack on the Nowokujbyszewsk refinery on August 2. This facility has now faced three attacks within a month, with Ukrainian strikes targeting 11 different refineries since the start of August.
Fuel Shortages in Parts of Russia
Fuel shortages have been reported in regions including Riazan, Saratov, Volgograd, Syzran, and Novosyachten. The latter suffered a drone attack on August 21 and burned for four consecutive days. The Primorsky region on Russia’s Pacific coast faces the most severe issues, with long queues at gas stations and fuel rationing. Occupied Crimea and the Transbaikal and Sakhalin regions also report problems. Russian officials attribute the crisis to seasonal demand, panic buying, speculation, and systemic inefficiencies, not the Ukrainian air campaign.
Industry Representatives Confirm Production Disruptions
At a special meeting on August 25 chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, oil executives acknowledged challenges but insisted that fuel shortages will resolve by September with planned refinery repairs and reduced demand. While gasoline prices have risen 54% in bulk since the start of the year, diesel—a critical fuel for military and industrial equipment—has also increased by 6.9%. However, no reports indicate diesel shortages.
Experts Warn of Potential Escalation
“Currently, the situation appears difficult but manageable,” said Sergei Wakulenko, a former high-ranking Russian oil industry manager and now a Carnegie think tank expert. “Serious shortages could force extreme measures, but that seems unlikely soon. Transport, agriculture, and the military still have enough fuel reserves to avoid major disruptions.”
Future Uncertain as Drone Campaign Continues
The Ukrainian drone campaign on Russian refineries, mostly located in European Russia and within range of Ukrainian-launched drones, could escalate further. While the previous campaign reportedly ended under U.S. pressure, the current Trump administration appears unbothered by the issue. Additionally, Ukraine’s long-range strike drone production has surged over the past 12 months. Russia, however, struggles to defend all strategic petrochemical sites effectively, especially against low-altitude drones—a tactic they themselves use in Ukraine.
Source: Gazeta, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/pozar#anchorLink](https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/pozar#anchorLink), https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/ceny#anchorLink](https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/ceny#anchorLink), https://www.tokfm.pl/Tokfm/7, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/benzyna#anchorLink](https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/benzyna#anchorLink), https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/Waszyngton#anchorLink](https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/Waszyngton#anchorLink)
