KYIV: Ukraine’s SBU security service carried out a record-distance drone strike on a Russian oil refinery located nearly 1,200 kilometres (746 miles) from the Ukrainian border, a Ukrainian defence source said on Thursday, AFP reported.
The strike targeted a refinery located in the Russian republic of Bashkortostan, marking a record-distance operation for Ukrainian forces. The source, speaking to AFP, characterized the attack as “the SBU’s work,” highlighting the agency’s capabilities in conducting precision strikes over vast distances.
The drone, the source disclosed, covered an astonishing distance of 1,500 kilometers before reaching its target, demonstrating Ukraine’s advancement in drone technology and operational capabilities.
Additionally, the source disclosed that strikes were also carried out on two oil depots in the Krasnodar region of southern Russia. “The SBU has once again proved it has powerful technological solutions that help to inflict painful blows on the enemy,” the source asserted.
Confirming the attack, Russian emergency services acknowledged damage to a pumping station at the Salavat refinery in Bashkortostan, which is owned by Russian energy behemoth Gazprom. However, they reassured the public that no casualties or fires were reported as a result of the strike.
Despite the attack, local authorities emphasized that the refinery remained operational, albeit with smoke rising above it in the aftermath of the drone strike. Bashkortostan republic head Radiy Khabirov condemned the attack, framing it as an attempt to disrupt Russia’s commemoration of Victory Day, which marks the anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.
“This is an attempt to spoil our holiday. We do not intend to give in to provocations. Happy Victory Day!” Khabirov declared, emphasizing Russia’s resilience in the face of adversarial actions.
