(KYIV) – Ukrainian forces have struck two additional oil refineries and a major distribution centre in the latest wave of long-range drone attacks targeting Russian military and economic infrastructure.
The Syzran refinery in Samara Oblast and the Ilsky refinery in Krasnodar Krai were both hit in overnight operations. Footage verified by NASA FIRMS fire detection systems confirmed heat signatures at both locations, with visual evidence showing air defence systems attempting but failing to intercept the incoming drones.
The Syzran facility has been struck repeatedly, with previous attacks recorded on 4 August, 12 July, 21 May, 18 April, and twice in December 2025. The Ilsky refinery was previously targeted in July, June, February and January of this year.
Russia’s refined petroleum product exports have fallen by 59 percent since 2024, according to data compiled by Kepler and EOA. Production levels have dropped from 2.5 million barrels per day to approximately 1.025 million barrels, with Moscow now forced to import refined products from Belarus, Kazakhstan, India and Morocco at premium prices.
Fuel shortages have emerged across multiple Russian regions, with queues of up to 50 vehicles reported at petrol stations in Ryazan. The gasoline crisis in Moscow and St Petersburg has been temporarily stabilised, though supply chain analysts suggest the situation remains precarious.
Ukrainian drones also struck the Wildberries distribution centre in Yekaterinburg, approximately 2,000 kilometres from Ukrainian territory. Three drones successfully impacted the facility’s roof, causing significant smoke damage. Fire suppression systems prevented total destruction, though operations have been suspended.
This represents the 17th Wildberries facility targeted by Ukrainian forces, with more than 100,000 Russian workers estimated to have lost employment across these distribution centres. Satellite imagery shows the complete destruction of the Wildberries warehouse in Elektrostal following a 18 July attack, with roof collapses and total loss of contents.
In maritime operations, Ukrainian forces have struck 218 Russian vessels since 6 July, including 12 Shadow Fleet ships in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov. Satellite tracking data shows only 14 ships remain in the Sea of Azov, compared to significantly higher numbers before operations commenced. Video footage captured a Firepoint drone evading three Pantsyr air defence missiles before successfully striking a Russian inland tanker.
The drone campaign has targeted 210 energy facilities across occupied territories since 1 July, with operations focused on electrical substations and transformers in Kherson, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Luhansk oblasts. Russian occupation forces face mounting difficulties maintaining operations as electricity infrastructure degrades.
Ukrainian drone production has reached sufficient capacity to export surplus fibre-optic FPV systems to allied nations, marking a significant expansion of domestic defence manufacturing. The country now launches more drones into Russian territory than Moscow launches into Ukraine, a trend now in its fifth consecutive month.
Frontline mapping by the Blackbird Group shows Russian territorial advances have slowed dramatically since February, with only 106 square kilometres of additional territory captured during 2026. Analysts attribute the stagnation to the disruption of Russian Starlink communications and improved Ukrainian fibre-optic drone capabilities.
The Ukrainian military’s drone operations, including those conducted by the Magyars Birds unit, have demonstrated increasing effectiveness against both naval and ground targets. Footage released by Ukrainian sources shows the systematic destruction of Russian military assets across multiple theatres.
In response to the escalating drone campaign, Russian state media has been forced to address rumours of an impending mobilisation. State television presenter Alexander Solovyov dismissed speculation about conscription, though Kremlin sources indicate potential plans to mobilise 500,000 additional personnel by September.
A Russian woman’s video calling for an end to the war has gone viral, reflecting growing public discontent. The footage, which circulated widely on social media, shows the woman expressing frustration at the destruction of Wildberries facilities and the economic impact on ordinary Russians.
Two Russian generals were killed in a bombing at a Moscow restaurant birthday party, according to updated reports. Major General Valery Plotnyuk, former chief of staff of the 49th Combined Arms Army, and another unnamed general died in the attack. The party, hosted by Russia’s Aerospace Forces commander for his 55th birthday, reportedly cost $100,000 (£78,400).
The Russian Pacific Fleet has been observed covering its submarines with protective nets at bases in Vladivostok and Kamchatka amid fears of Ukrainian drone attacks. Military analysts have noted that such protective measures may prove inadequate against modern drone warfare.
Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure continue, with 147 drones launched overnight. A pet food company in Kyiv lost five shipments worth millions of hryvnias after Russian strikes destroyed its warehouse in the Obolon district. Ukraine’s largest football stadium in Odesa was also damaged in a separate attack.
Ukrainian air defence systems intercepted only 29 of 195 Russian ballistic missiles in July, highlighting critical shortages of interceptor missiles. The Ukrainian government is accelerating domestic production of anti-ballistic missile technology, with the Firepoint 7 system undergoing testing. The Firepoint 9 long-range ballistic missile, capable of reaching Moscow, is expected in autumn 2026.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has ordered special operations targeting Russia’s military-industrial complex, focusing on ballistic missile production facilities, assembly processes and logistics networks.
Luxembourg has contributed €8 million (£6.8 million) to Ukraine’s energy fund, while the United Kingdom has imposed new sanctions on Ozon Bank and Shadow Fleet vessels, stating that “Ukraine’s fight is our fight”.
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