Kyiv claimed responsibility for a drone strike on one of Russia’s biggest oil complexes, as NATO faces renewed pressure to halt oil purchases from Moscow.
A Ukrainian drone crashed into one of Russia’s largest oil refining complexes on Saturday, sparking a fire and causing minor damage, according to Russian officials. The refinery, owned by Bashneft, is located on the outskirts of Ufa, about 1,400 kilometres from the front line in Ukraine.
Videos shared online showed a drone approaching the site before exploding in flames. “Today, Bashneft’s facility was subjected to a terrorist attack by aircraft-type drones,” said Radiy Khabirov, head of the Bashkortostan region. He confirmed one drone struck the plant while another was shot down.
“There were no casualties or injuries. The production site sustained minor damage, and a fire broke out, which is currently being extinguished,” he added.
A source in Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence agency claimed responsibility. The strike comes amid repeated Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries since 2022, aimed at curbing Moscow’s war funding. US President Donald Trump urged NATO states to halt Russian oil imports.