Ukrainian forces have executed a second, devastating long-range drone strike on Russia's crucial Saratov oil refinery in under a week, marking a significant escalation in its campaign to cripple the Kremlin's energy infrastructure and war economy.
The attack on the Rosneft-owned facility in the city of Engels, deep inside Russian territory, reportedly caused serious damage. Local Russian authorities were forced to confirm the incident after social media was flooded with videos showing large explosions and fires lighting up the night sky.
A Strategic Blow to Russian War Machine
This repeat strike demonstrates a formidable and growing Ukrainian capability to project power far behind enemy lines. The targeted refinery is a cornerstone of Russia's oil processing and export operations. Such sustained attacks systematically degrade Russia's ability to fuel its military operations and generate vital export revenue, directly impacting its war sustainability.
From the Front Line to the Fuel Line
The success of these missions underscores a strategic shift. Ukraine is effectively bringing the war home to Russians, targeting assets that are both economically and symbolically important. The ability to hit the same high-value target twice in quick succession suggests meticulous planning, improved drone technology, and potentially vulnerabilities in Russian air defence systems far from the front.
As the conflict continues, these deep strikes on energy infrastructure are becoming a central pillar of Ukraine's defence strategy, aiming to level the playing field against a larger adversary by striking at its economic core.
