Full Breakdown
Ukraine’s Drone Campaign Targets Russian Oil Refineries
By Drooid · · How we work
Recent Wave of Attacks
On September 25, Russian officials reported coordinated overnight drone strikes in four regions. Governor Yury Slyusar said a drone hit the 110,000-bpd Novoshakhtinsk oil products plant, halting operations. Governor Dmitry Makhonin of Perm described a “massive” attack on an industrial facility, while Governor Alexei Russkikh of Ulyanovsk reported damage to the Iskra Plant, an Almaz-Antey enterprise. In Voronezh, Governor Alexander Gusev said 88 drones were shot down and production buildings were damaged.
Background & Context
Since the war began, Ukraine has used unmanned aerial systems against Russian energy infrastructure to curb the Kremlin’s oil-product output and exports.
Data & Statistics
- Novoshakhtinsk refinery: 110,000 bpd; offline after the strike.
- Perm refinery (Lukoil-Permnefteorgsintez): 260,000 bpd; attacked earlier in September, with renewed strikes on September 25.
- Ulyanovsk Iskra Plant: Electronics manufacturer; damaged on September 25.
- Voronezh (SIBUR’s Voronezhsintezkauchuk): Produces thermoplastic elastomers and synthetic rubber; facilities damaged.
- Drone interceptions: Russian forces reported destroying 592 drones overnight.
Official Statements & Responses
- Regional governors used Telegram to confirm attacks and note no casualties at Novoshakhtinsk and Perm.
- Lukoil declined comment on the Perm refinery.
- Ukrainian military has not publicly confirmed the September 25 strikes.
- U.S. administration urged an energy-assets truce at the UN General Assembly, but no agreement was reached.
On-the-Ground Reports
Telegram posts from Perm showed thick smoke over the refinery; video from Voronezh displayed flames near production buildings. Residents in Ulyanovsk reported explosions and smoke at the Iskra Plant. No independent verification of casualties at the industrial sites has been provided.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Casualties: Some outlets reported a civilian death in Belgorod from a drone-struck truck, while others said there were no casualties at the refinery sites.
- Target identification: The Perm governor did not name the refinery, though satellite imagery suggests the Lukoil-Permnefteorgsintez complex was hit. Confirmation from the operator is absent.
- Ukrainian attribution: Ukrainian officials have not confirmed responsibility for the September 25 attacks, leaving attribution based on pattern and prior statements.
Why It Matters
Repeated strikes on Russia’s oil-processing capacity have forced Moscow to impose temporary bans on gasoline, diesel and jet-fuel exports and to consider domestic fuel-rationing. The loss of refining output contributes to higher global diesel prices and adds pressure on Russia’s wartime economy, while also highlighting the expanding range of Ukrainian drone capabilities.