Full Breakdown
Ukraine’s Deep-Range Drone Campaign Targets Russian Energy and Logistics Networks
7/25/2026, 2:07:41 AM
Escalation of Long-Range Strikes Behind the Front Lines
Ukrainian forces have carried out coordinated long-range drone raids on oil-processing facilities, mini-refineries, radar installations and fuel depots in three Russian regions and Crimea, reaching up to 1,350 km from Ukrainian territory, according to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). Russia has responded with drone and missile attacks on civilian targets inside Ukraine, including a food-processing plant in Pavlohrad that killed three people.
Background of the Energy-Targeting Campaign
Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) say the campaign is meant to erode Russia’s ability to finance its war effort. The SBU reported that, since July 1, 117 energy-related targets have been hit and 196 Russian vessels have been struck in the Black and Azov seas.
Recent Strike Data and Casualties
- Civilian deaths: Four people were killed in Ukrainian-controlled territory and four more in Russia and Crimea, including a child.
- Infrastructure hits:
- Subkhankulovo oil-pumping station (Bashkortostan) – fire.
- Novospassky mini-refinery (Ulyanovsk) – fire.
- “First Plant” mini-refinery (Kaluga) – hit.
- Radar and fuel depot at Belbek airfield (Crimea) – struck.
- Power substations in Crimea (Zorya, Morske, Gaspra) damaged, causing outages.
- Naval targets: In 48 hours drones struck 13 vessels of Russia’s “shadow fleet.” Since July 6, 196 vessels have been targeted.
- Fuel shortages: Russian soldiers report daily gasoline allocations reduced to 20 L per vehicle, with some units receiving only 10-15 L. Civilian gasoline prices have risen to 200-300 rubles per litre, and generator-fuel costs for troops have risen from about 50,000 to 70,000 rubles per month.
Official Statements & Responses
- Ukrainian side: The SBU described the strikes as “coordinated” attacks on oil-processing and fuel-depot facilities.
- Russian side: The Ministry of Defence claimed capture of the village of Bilytske, north of Pokrovsk. Sevastopol governor Mikhail Razvozhayev announced an air-raid alert after a reported drone attack.
- European Union: EU foreign-policy chief Kaja Kallas announced sanctions targeting 218 individuals and entities, over 100 banks, cryptocurrency operators, 40 “shadow-fleet” vessels and more than 50 military-industrial firms, including drone producers. The package freezes the oil-price cap at $44.10 per barrel for 12 months and grants a one-year exemption for EU companies to transfer Russian LNG to third countries.
On-the-Ground Reports from Crimea and Russian Regions
Telegram channels (Krymsky Viter, Crimean Wind) reported explosions in Feodosia, Yevpatoria, Sevastopol and Yalta, with drones targeting air-defence positions near the Balaklava Thermal Power Plant. Residents described power outages lasting several hours, especially after the July 19 strike on the Zorya substation. Volunteer groups in cities such as Sergiev Posad have appealed for gasoline donations to support frontline units.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Casualty figures: The eight civilian deaths are not independently verified.
- Damage assessment: Independent verification of fires and damage at oil sites in Bashkortostan and Kaluga remains limited.
- Fuel-export bans: The LNG-transfer exemption is described as a “one-year exemption” but the exact start date is not specified.
What’s Next
EU diplomats said the new sanctions require unanimous approval, indicating further negotiations. Ukrainian officials said the “Crimean Switch Off” and “MoLoChKa” operations will continue to pressure Moscow’s logistics and energy sectors. Russian authorities say they are working to protect civilian infrastructure, though the effectiveness of those measures is unclear.
