Smoke rises from Russia’s Saratov Oil Refinery after Ukrainian drone strikes, July 8, 2026 (Exilenova)
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Ukraine has struck a series of Russian targets, including a major oil refinery, a petrochemical plant, and eight tankers.
In the latest assaults to constrict Russia’s economy, hindering its 52 1/2-month full-scale invasion, Ukrainian drones set afire the Saratov Oil Refinery.
The refinery, hit for the second time this month, is around 460 km (285 miles) east of the Ukrainian border.
The petrochemical plant is in Nizhnekamsk, Tatarstan, around 1,300 km (800 miles) from the border.
The commander of Ukraine’s unmanned system, Robert Brovdi, reported the strikes on the shadow fleet tankers, used by the Russians to circumvent oil sanctions and to threaten sabotage operations.
Drones also struck a dry cargo ship and a ferry.
The assault further disrupted power in Russian-occupied Crimea, which is at risk of being cut off by months of Ukrainian attacks on fuel supplies, logistics, and bridges.
