Ukraine special forces’ footage shows destruction of Russian oil depots 

A Russian oil depot in Crimea was struck by Ukrainian drones, according to authorities in Kyiv which released a video it said showed the attacks. 

Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces (SOF) shared video of what it said was a strike on a full storage tank near the village of Hvardiiske overnight Wednesday. The clip shows the moment of impact, and a subsequent explosion.

Newsweek has contacted the Russian defense ministry for comment.  

Why It Matters 

Ukraine often launches strikes against military and industrial facilities in Russia and Russian-occupied territory, mostly using domestically developed drones. The reported strike in Crimea, as well as others that night, shows that Ukraine is continuing with its attacks on Russian energy infrastructure critical to Moscow’s war effort.  

What To Know 

Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces said in a Facebook statement that they had struck the Hvardiiske oil depot in Crimea, destroying a full oil tank. 

At the same time, in the same area, two trains with tanks containing petroleum products on an overpass were also hit. 

The statement said that Ukrainian drones had also struck other oil depots and lubricants warehouses in Simferopol and the surrounding area. Numerous fires followed the strikes, the statement added. 

The same night, Ukraine’s General Staff said it had struck and damaged an oil refinery overnight in Russia’s Volgograd which produces 15.7 million tons of refined petroleum products per year and is responsible for 5.6 percent of all refining in Russia. 

The refinery is operated by Russian oil giant Lukoil and its location around 300 miles from the frontline in Ukraine means it plays a key role in supplying fuel to the Russian military. Ukraine had successfully hit the facility before, once halting production. 

Local residents reported the damage, posting on social media images and while no fire was immediately observed, there were flashes in the night sky towards the direction of the oil refinery. 

What People Are Saying 

Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces (SOF)  said on Facebook: “SSO burns down enemy oil depots in temporarily occupied Crimea!…Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces continue to operate asymmetrically to counter enemy military power.” 

Former Ukrainian interior ministry advisor Anton Gerashchenko on X: “Special Operations Forces hit an oil depot in Russian-occupied Crimea…. Glory!”

Ukrainian X account Kate from Kharkiv: “Oil depots in the village of Bityumne, occupied Crimea, was visited by sanctions last night.”

What Happens Next 

With no ceasefire imminent, Russia’s oil and gas facilities are likely to remain the focus of Ukrainian drone attacks as Kyiv tries to curb Moscow’s lucrative export and its resources for its war machine.