Ukraine Drones Strike Two Major Russian Refineries, Disrupt Fuel Supply

On the night of August 28, Ukrainian forces launched coordinated drone strikes on two major Russian oil refineries: the Afipsky refinery in Krasnodar Krai and the Novokuibyshevsky (Kuibyshev) refinery in the Samara region. These attacks caused large-scale fires and significant damage, reducing Russia's oil refining capacity by approximately 4.7% in a single night and contributing to a total 21% drop in August. The strikes targeted fuel supplies critical to the Russian military, including gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel for supersonic aircraft. Ukraine's Defense Forces, including Unmanned Systems Forces and Special Operations Forces, claimed responsibility and emphasized these operations aim to undermine Russia's military and economic capabilities. Russian authorities reported downing over 100 Ukrainian drones during multiple attacks in several regions but have yet to disclose full damage assessments. These attacks have also led to temporary restrictions on air traffic and mobile internet in affected regions and are part of a broader Ukrainian strategy to disrupt Russian fuel and ammunition supplies amid the ongoing conflict.