Ukraine has launched a series of precision strikes on critical Russian infrastructure, marking a significant escalation in its efforts to disrupt Moscow's war capabilities. In separate operations, Ukrainian forces targeted the Novoshakhtinsky Oil Refinery and the Kamensky Chemical Plant in Russia's Rostov region, causing substantial damage to facilities vital for fueling the Russian military.
The Novoshakhtinsky Oil Refinery, the largest in southern Russia, was struck early Thursday in a two-phased operation involving drones and Ukrainian-made missiles. According to sources within Ukraine's Security Service (SBU), the attack overwhelmed Russian air defenses, enabling missiles to hit the refinery's production facilities, including the ELOU-AVT-2.5 unit, which produces liquefied petroleum gases. A fire erupted, causing significant damage, though local officials reported it was later extinguished.
"Today's special operation utilized unmanned aerial vehicles and Ukrainian-made missiles," an SBU source confirmed. "This demonstrates the effectiveness of Ukrainian weaponry in disrupting enemy logistics."
Simultaneously, Ukrainian forces targeted the Kamensky Chemical Plant, known for producing rocket fuel and components for multiple-launch rocket systems and intercontinental ballistic missiles. Located near the border with Ukraine, the plant is a critical logistics hub for the Russian military. Ukrainian missiles and drones reportedly caused fires at the facility, further hindering its operations.
The strikes highlight Ukraine's growing ability to reach deep into Russian territory, targeting assets essential to Moscow's military efforts. These operations come amid a broader wave of attacks in the Rostov region, with over 30 drones and several missiles reportedly intercepted by Russian defenses, according to Rostov Governor Yury Slyusar.
The impact of these strikes on Russia's industrial capabilities is substantial. Damage to oil refineries and chemical plants compounds existing production delays caused by Western sanctions and the unavailability of critical technologies. Analysts suggest repair costs could run into tens of millions of dollars per facility, further straining Russia's economy.
Ukrainian officials emphasized the strategic significance of these operations. Andriy Kovalenko, head lieutenant of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation, described the Kamensky Chemical Plant as a legitimate military target due to its role in producing rocket fuel and other military-grade materials. "Targeting such facilities is crucial for degrading Russia's capacity to sustain its military operations," Kovalenko noted.
The strikes come amid heightened tensions and ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where Russia continues to face resistance on multiple fronts. Ukrainian forces have conducted at least 13 successful attacks on oil refineries since the conflict began in February 2022, crippling one of Russia's most lucrative industries. Recent attacks have intensified, with facilities like the Novoshakhtinsky refinery being hit multiple times this year.
