Ukrainian forces have expanded their strikes deep into Russian territory, targeting key oil infrastructure in the city of Perm, more than 1,500km from the front line.
Ukrainian drones hit major Russian oil infrastructure in escalating energy war
The attack hit an Lukoil refinery, one of the largest in Russia, according to Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU).
Dramatic footage shared on social media showed thick black smoke and flames rising into the air, while local authorities briefly issued a chemical emergency alert before later saying it was part of a drill.
The strike is the latest in a series of Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, as Kyiv intensifies pressure on Moscow’s oil sector in response to continued strikes on Ukrainian cities.
Ukraine has increasingly targeted oil facilities across Russia in recent months, including sites in the Black Sea city of Tuapse, where earlier attacks caused significant oil spills and environmental damage reported by residents.
Russian authorities have largely downplayed the impact of the strikes, but the reach of Ukrainian drones deep into Russian territory has raised concern in Moscow.
The Kremlin has recently acknowledged what it described as a “terrorist threat” linked to such attacks.
The escalation comes as diplomatic tensions continue alongside shifting battlefield dynamics.
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently proposed a short ceasefire tied to Victory Day commemorations, following discussions with US President Donald Trump.
Ukraine has said it is seeking clarification on the proposal while continuing to push for a longer-term ceasefire.
Both sides continue to carry out regular strikes as the war grinds on, with Ukraine increasingly focusing on Russia’s oil infrastructure, a key source of revenue for its war effort.
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