That’s when the Ukraine-Russia war escalated drastically. A Ukrainian drone killed the oil infrastructure bashneft, one of the biggest in Russia. The blast happened on the outskirts of Ufa, a major central Russian city. This address is equal to approximately 870 miles from the current frontline in Ukraine. This recent attack highlights the increasing focus of Ukraine on impacting Russian energy supplies as part of this long war.
A Ukrainian drone slammed into the central part of Bashneft’s Novoil refinery, resulting in a massive fire. Luckily, it was minimal damage. A second drone was shot down before it could even reach its target. Radiy Khabirov, the head of the Bashkortostan region, confirmed the attack through a post on Telegram, stating, “Today, Bashneft’s facility was subjected to a terrorist attack by aircraft-type drones.”
According to a source from Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence agency, the drone strike was part of a broader strategy aimed at limiting the Kremlin’s financial resources for its military operations. This attack marks not only a direct assault on Russian infrastructure but reflects Ukraine’s ongoing campaign to undermine Russia’s economic capabilities during the conflict that escalated following Moscow’s full-scale military offensive in February 2022.
Bashneft is unique in another way too. It’s been a major player in Russia’s oil industry. This past summer, the company was severely rattled after a wave of Ukrainian strikes. These strikes have taken a catastrophic toll on processing capacities at strategically important facilities. In turn, that is forcing up fuel prices at gas stations nationwide.
The ramifications of this latest drone strike go much deeper than the financial costs of damages. As the prospect for a darkening war looms overhead, both countries prepare for increasing retaliation and escalation in conflict.
“Today, Bashneft’s facility was subjected to a terrorist attack by aircraft-type drones.” – Radiy Khabirov