Ukraine Hits One of Russia’s Largest Oil Refining Complexes in Deep Drone Strike
Ufa, Bashkortostan — September 14, 2025
A Ukrainian drone attack struck one of Russia’s largest oil‐refining complexes on Saturday, causing a fire and minor damage, according to Russian regional officials and international media. The facility, owned by Bashneft, is in Ufa, about 1,400 kilometres from the front lines of the Ukraine war.
The complex targeted in the attack belongs to Bashneft and is situated on the outskirts of Ufa in the Russian region of Bashkortostan. At least one drone crashed into the facility, sparking a fire; another drone was intercepted.
Russian authorities report no casualties or serious injuries. Damage appears to be minor and production is continuing.
The Bashneft facility is considered a strategic oil refining complex. While its exact share of Russia’s total refining capacity isn’t fully clear in this report, its inclusion among “one of Russia’s largest” refineries underscores its importance to energy supply and fuel production.
The attack is part of a broader pattern of Ukrainian strikes targeting Russia’s energy infrastructure, especially oil refineries, depots, and terminals. Earlier reports have estimated that Ukraine had likely disrupted 13% of Russia’s oil refining capacity through similar operations.
Though damage was reportedly minor and production has not been severely affected, such attacks may have cumulative effects—straining maintenance, logistics, and insurance, especially if attacks become more frequent.
Through these strikes Ukraine is demonstrating it’s ability to reach deep into Russian territory and damage critical infrastructure.
On the Russian side, defenses are likely to be reassessed (both in terms of drone detection/interception, and hardening of oil/refinery infrastructure) to reduce vulnerability.
