Shadows Over the Steppe: Ukraine’s Drones Redraw the Energy Map of War
The air hangs thick with the smell of burning oil and the metallic tang of exploded ordnance – a scent increasingly familiar across the vast expanse of western Russia. From the borderlands to deep within Russian territory, a new front has opened in this grinding conflict: the skies above Russia’s critical energy infrastructure. Ukraine, facing a larger and conventionally stronger adversary, has turned to the asymmetric weapon of long-range drones, not just to sting, but to systematically bleed Russia’s war machine. These aren’t pinprick attacks; they are calculated strikes aimed at the heart of Russia’s financial and logistical arteries – its oil refineries, export terminals, and fuel depots. Through the lens of citizen journalism and battlefield reports captured in raw YouTube footage, we begin to piece together the unfolding story of Ukraine’s audacious and increasingly effective drone campaign, a campaign that is sending shockwaves through Moscow and beyond. The question isn’t just about damaged refineries; it’s about the cascading effects on Russia’s ability to wage war and the long-term implications for global energy markets.
Key Insights from the Drone War in Videos
Strategic Targeting of Oil Infrastructure: Videos consistently highlight the precision targeting of Russia’s oil sector. Strikes are not random; they are focused on refineries (Kstovo, Volgograd, Novoshakhtinsk, Leningrad KINEF, Saratov, Ilsky, Syzran, Tula), crucial pumping stations (Novozybkov, Ust-Luga), and export facilities. This indicates a deliberate strategy to degrade Russia’s capacity to refine and export oil, its primary revenue source for the war effort.
Deep Strikes and Evolving Tactics: The attacks demonstrate Ukraine’s growing capability to penetrate deep into Russian territory, reaching targets hundreds of kilometers from the border, including the Olenya Airbase in Murmansk. Tactics are evolving, with reports of decoy drones used to overwhelm Russian air defenses, paving the way for strike drones. The destruction of Russian air defense systems like TOR and Pantsir-S1 further underscores this evolving sophistication.
Crippling Refining Capacity: Multiple videos emphasize the tangible impact on Russia’s oil refining capacity. Claims suggest that Ukraine’s strikes have taken millions of tons of Russian oil refining capacity offline – figures cited range up to 53 million tons, potentially crippling 10% of Russia’s total capacity. The forced shutdown of the Novoshakhtinsk refinery and disruptions at Ust-Luga port are presented as concrete evidence of success.
Cheech & Chong's Up In Smoke Beaker Bong This Cheech & Chong beaker-style water pipe stands 7.25 inches tall with attached downstem and 14mm male bowl. Pipe comes in assorted colors. Officially licensed. Available colors are dependent on current inventory. HIGHLIGHTS 7.25"" tall: Provides a compact yet effective size for easy handling and storage. 14mm female pipe: Ensures compatibility with a variety of accessories. Attached downstem diffuser: Enhances the smoking experience by providing smooth, filtered hits. Beaker style with bent neck: Offers stability and a comfortable smoking angle. Includes 14mm male herb slide: Conveniently allows for the use of dry herbs. Colors vary: Adds a fun element of surprise and individuality to each purchase.
Printed on one side, you can't tell from a distant whether it's the real bill or a fake one. Excellent for close-up magic. No smoke and ash left after burning. Pack contains ten U.S. bill-sized sheets of flash paper.
No matter when and where the mess strikes, stay on top of it with this compact, lightweight shop vacuum. The highly portable design is perfect for quick pick-ups around the house. Never before have we offered so much power and versatility in one portable package. The impressive 6.0 peak HP motor can handle any task, and when detached will blow you away.
Economic and Military Impact: The narratives stress the dual impact of these strikes. Economically, they aim to reduce Russia’s oil export revenues, a crucial funding source for the war. Militarily, the destruction of fuel production and storage facilities directly impacts Russia’s ability to supply its forces with fuel, potentially hindering ground and air operations. Attacks on military airfields and ammunition depots (like the Tver arsenal) further compound the military pressure.
Ukrainian Drone Capabilities: Videos mention the use of various drone types, including potentially domestically produced long-range drones (UJ-22, UJ-26, A22 Foxbat, FP-1) and Shahed-inspired variants. The scale of attacks is also notable, with one video reporting a massive strike involving over 200 drones. This points to a significant investment in and advancement of Ukraine’s drone program.
Shifting Air Defense Balance: The repeated successful strikes deep inside Russia suggest a degradation of Russian air defenses. The destruction of air defense systems and the ability to overwhelm remaining defenses with decoy tactics highlight a potential shift in the aerial balance, creating vulnerabilities for Russia.
The Drone Swarm and the Bear’s Bleeding Paw
Beyond the immediate damage to oil tanks and refineries, these drone strikes represent a calculated gamble by Ukraine. They are not just about crippling Russia’s oil war machine in a literal sense, but also about inflicting a psychological blow. Each successful strike deepens the sense of vulnerability within Russia, forcing Moscow to divert resources and attention to internal defense, resources desperately needed on the front lines. The disruption to oil exports, even if temporary, sends ripples through global energy markets, adding economic pressure on Russia and potentially influencing international perceptions of the conflict.
Looking ahead, several trends are becoming apparent. Firstly, the scale and sophistication of Ukrainian drone attacks are likely to increase. As domestic production ramps up and tactics refine, Russia will face a persistent and evolving threat to its critical infrastructure. Secondly, Russia will be forced to adapt its air defense strategies, likely deploying more resources to protect vulnerable energy assets, potentially at the expense of frontline deployments. Thirdly, the economic impact of these strikes will become more pronounced over time. Even if Russia can repair damaged facilities, the ongoing threat of drone attacks will create uncertainty and potentially deter investment in its energy sector. This drone war is not just a tactical sideshow; it is a strategic campaign that could significantly shape the long-term trajectory of the conflict.
Cheech & Chong's Up In Smoke Beaker Bong This Cheech & Chong beaker-style water pipe stands 7.25 inches tall with attached downstem and 14mm male bowl. Pipe comes in assorted colors. Officially licensed. Available colors are dependent on current inventory. HIGHLIGHTS 7.25"" tall: Provides a compact yet effective size for easy handling and storage. 14mm female pipe: Ensures compatibility with a variety of accessories. Attached downstem diffuser: Enhances the smoking experience by providing smooth, filtered hits. Beaker style with bent neck: Offers stability and a comfortable smoking angle. Includes 14mm male herb slide: Conveniently allows for the use of dry herbs. Colors vary: Adds a fun element of surprise and individuality to each purchase.
Printed on one side, you can't tell from a distant whether it's the real bill or a fake one. Excellent for close-up magic. No smoke and ash left after burning. Pack contains ten U.S. bill-sized sheets of flash paper.
No matter when and where the mess strikes, stay on top of it with this compact, lightweight shop vacuum. The highly portable design is perfect for quick pick-ups around the house. Never before have we offered so much power and versatility in one portable package. The impressive 6.0 peak HP motor can handle any task, and when detached will blow you away.
Scroll down to explore the video highlights and delve deeper into the unfolding narrative of Ukraine’s long-range drone strikes. See the targets, hear the analyses, and understand the impact of this silent, persistent offensive that is reshaping the landscape of this brutal conflict. The story is unfolding in real-time, captured through the lenses of those closest to the action.
Don’t miss the videos below
04 Feb: PUTIN IN SHOCK. Russian Oil Exports HIT HARD! Oil Refineries SHUTTING DOWN EVERY DAY.RFU News — Reporting from Ukraine309,978 views | 26,786 | February 4 2025 19:00:15 (758 comments)[ Read more … ]
🔴 Subscribe to our news website today and unlock exclusive strategic and tactical insights: https://www.rfunews.com/pricing
Today, there is important news from the Russian Federation.
Here, Ukraine has significantly ramped up its drone strike campaign against Russia’s oil infrastructure, strategically targeting refineries, pumping stations, and export facilities. This ongoing effort serves as Ukraine’s form of economic sanctions, complementing Western-imposed restrictions on Russian energy exports.
The first attack hit Russia’s fourth-largest oil refinery located in Kstovo, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast. Capable of processing up to 17 million tons of fuel per year, this refinery supplies fuel to the Russian military. Shortly after, Ukrainian drones ignited a massive fire, marking the second attack on this key facility.
Soon after, Ukrainian forces struck the Lukoil refinery in Volgograd, another major fuel producer processing 14 million tons of oil annually. The pattern is clear, Ukraine is systematically crippling Russia’s energy sector, making it increasingly difficult to sustain military operations, striking the largest refineries one by one.
Another successful attack hit the Novozybkov oil pumping station in Bryansk. Ukrainian forces used a drone carrying a Soviet FAB-250 bomb and HIMARS strikes to set the facility ablaze. This station is part of the Druzhba pipeline, one of Russia’s main export routes to Europe. Ukrainian forces have repeatedly targeted it, further highlighting their intent to permanently disrupt Russian energy exports.
Next, in a major blow to Russia’s refining capabilities, Ukrainian strikes have now forced the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Rostov Oblast to shut down entirely. After sustaining repeated drone attacks, the plant, which had a processing capacity of 7.5 million tons per year, ceased operations completely due to equipment damage. This further deepens Russia’s fuel shortages, both for domestic use and military operations.
One of the most audacious attacks was the disruption of oil flows through Russia’s Ust-Luga port. This critical export hub handles 20% of Russia’s seaborne crude exports, making its temporary shutdown a significant economic setback for Moscow. The strike on a pumping station in the port caused a halt in operations, demonstrating Ukraine’s ability to strike deep into Russian territory and disrupt its global oil trade.
Ukraine’s drone strikes serve a dual purpose, damaging the economy while simultaneously undermining the war effort, as Russia heavily relies on oil revenues to fund its military, and these targeted attacks are forcing it to divert resources toward repairing damaged infrastructure rather than supporting its war machine. The destruction of refineries and pumping stations also makes it harder to supply fuel for tanks, armored vehicles, and aircraft, directly affecting battlefield operations.
Ukraine’s growing success in striking strategic Russian targets is due to its continued destruction of Russian air defenses. A recent example is the Ukrainian drone drop that destroyed a Russian TOR air defense system, highlighting the ability to neutralize key defensive assets through different creative means. The serial degradation of Russian air defenses has made it significantly easier for Ukrainian drones to penetrate deep into Russian territory and strike valuable targets. In addition to targeting oil infrastructure, Ukraine continues long-range precision strikes against Russian military facilities by for example another repeated drone strike on an artillery arsenal in Tver, which resulted in a large explosion, damaging not only the ammunition depot but also an oil pumping station in the area.
The next strike was against the Olenya Airbase in Murmansk, home to Russian strategic bombers often used in missile strikes on Ukraine, which showcased the ability to threaten key Russian military assets even at such long distances. While the full results remain unclear for now, such strikes reinforce that no Russian military asset is safe.
Overall, while individual strikes alone might not cripple Russia’s economy, the sheer volume and value of the targets hit are making a tangible impact. With over 25 successful attacks on Russians strategic assets in the deep rear in January, Ukraine has demonstrated that it can inflict sustained economic damage on Russia, reducing its oil exports and disrupting fuel supplies to the battlefield. The shutdown of Novoshakhtinsk refinery and the pause in oil flows through Ust-Luga are clear indicators that Ukraine’s drone strike campaign is working. By persistently targeting Russia’s critical infrastructure, Ukraine is not only weakening the enemy’s ability to sustain its war but also reinforcing the message that it can strike anywhere, at any time.
Advertisement
Ukraine Just Delivered a DEVASTATING Blow to RussiaThe Military Show659,212 views | 15,394 | February 14 2025 23:30:11 (1,128 comments)[ Read more … ]
Breaking down Ukraine’s devastating drone strike on Russia’s Novolipetsk Metallurgical Plant—a key steel mill that produces up to 20% of Russia’s steel. Discover how Ukraine’s long-range drone attack, involving potential UJ-22, UJ-26, A22 Foxbat, and FP-1 drones, has dealt a critical blow to Putin’s war machine and the Russian military-industrial complex.
Learn about the impact on Russian steel production, the effects on Putin’s defense capabilities, and how the loss of this vital industrial asset further strains Russia’s ability to manufacture weapons and fund its “special military operation.” We also explore the broader implications for Russian oligarchs like Vladimir Lisin and analyze the strategic significance of targeting key infrastructure in regions like Lipetsk, Volgograd, and beyond.
Stay tuned for more updates on the ongoing Ukraine conflict, military tactics, and the evolving use of drone warfare in modern combat. Subscribe for the latest news and expert analysis on Ukraine’s defense, Russia’s industrial setbacks, and what this means for the future of the Ukraine war.
Support us directly as we bring you independent, up-to-date reporting on military news and global conflicts by clicking here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKfak8fBm_Lhy4eX9UKxEpA/join
Long Range Drone Strike Hits Leningrad Oil Refinery KINEF.Suchomimus33,309 views | 6,519 | March 8 2025 08:50:34 (168 comments)[ Read more … ]
The KINEF oil refinery in Leningrad was hit by drones.
Support the Channel https://www.patreon.com/c/user?u=80032585 https://buymeacoffee.com/suchomimus99
Advertisement
Massive Drone Strike Featuring Over 200 Drones Hits Russia — New Ukrainian Shahed Variant Used!Suchomimus145,212 views | 15,249 | January 14 2025 12:30:41 (526 comments)[ Read more … ]
Ukraine used a new Shahed-inspired drone to target Russia in a wave of 200 drones hitting targets in Saratov, Kazan, Rostov and more.
Support the Channel https://www.patreon.com/c/user?u=80032585 https://buymeacoffee.com/suchomimus99
Advertisement
Ukraine’s drones take 53 million tons of Russian oil offline, crippling 10% of refining capacityKanal1347,440 views | 2,141 | March 5 2025 00:00:06 (142 comments)[ Read more … ]
#Kanal13 #likekanal13 #subscribekanal13 #warinukraine https://www.youtube.com/user/kanal13az?sub_confirmation=1 – SUBSCRIBE TO US! Russian oil refineries are going up in flames as Ukraine unleashes relentless waves of drone strikes deep into enemy territory. With 10% of Russia’s refining capacity already offline and more targets inside, these attacks are beginning to impact the Russian economy, according to Euromaidan Press media outlet.
The most significant Ukrainian strike took place in Crimea, where Ukrainians launched over 100 drones against Russian military airfields and air defense systems.
To wear out Russian air defenses, Ukrainians deployed decoy drones, overloading Russian crews with targets and allowing the real drones to slip through. Then, the Ukrainians destroyed a Russian Pantsir-S1 air defense system and a Buk-M1 radar, creating a gap wide enough for the Ukrainians to devastate Russian military airfields. Ukrainians also deployed naval drones equipped with anti-air missiles and FPV drones to strike targets along the coast and deny Russian aviation the ability to fly over the Black Sea to intercept incoming strikes.
Euromaidan Press says that Russians used helicopters and jets to help track and take down Ukrainian drones. With these airfields heavily bombed and Russians unable to use their aviation, Russian air defense was weakened—especially over the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, where Russian helicopters are most often deployed. This enabled the Ukrainians to launch additional drone strikes toward Russian oil refineries located in Krasnodar Krai and the southern Rostov Oblast, flying over the Crimean Peninsula and surrounding seas with close to 80 long-range strike drones.
According to Euromaidan Press, in Tuapse, civilian reports mentioned hearing over 40 explosions near the seaport and oil refinery in the city. Over the past weeks, Ukrainians have launched several more devastating drone strikes on Russian oil refineries and supporting infrastructure. Notably, Ukrainians hit a major oil refinery and depot in Krasnodar Krai, right under the nose of the main base of the Russian 90th Air Defense Brigade, even destroying several air defense systems during this strike. In Volgograd Oblast, Ukrainians struck the main oil refinery—which refines over 14 million tons of oil per year—several times over the course of many days, along with the Astrakhan gas processing plant in the area. Ukrainians launched strikes far beyond Volgograd Oblast, targeting the Saratov oil refinery, which processes over seven million tons of oil annually. After Saratov, the Ukrainians struck the Ilsky oil refinery to the south, with over six million tons of oil annually, and the Syzran oil refinery near Samara, with almost nine million tons of oil. Ukrainians also targeted Tula’s oil refinery and the massive oil storage facilities there. Lastly, http://youtube.com/kanal13az/join – click here and support Kanal13 monthly for distributing more videos and independent journalism
KANAL13 [ Azərbaycanın ilk peşəkar internet televiziyası ] The First Internet TV of Azerbaijan
Tags: #Ukriane, #Russia, #Putin, #Putler, #Russian invasion of Ukraine, #Zelenski, #Kiev, #Kyiv, #Kadirov army, #Kadirov, #Kherson, #Bucha, #Kharkiv, #Ukrainian pilots, #vagners, #Russian tanks, #NATO, #drones, #Moscow, #Kreml, #war victims #Ukraina, News, The Washington Post, waPo Video, Washington Post Video, Washington Post YouTube, a:politics, aid, biden, putin, s:Politics, support, t:Other, Ukraine, war, fact check, news coverage, Donald Trump, news, wp video, forbes, nytimes, newspaper, media, journalism, Ilham Aliyev, Baku, Azerbaijan, Israel, Gaza, Palestine, Tel-Aviv, Garabag, Karabakh, football, ronaldo, messi, brian tyler cohen
Advertisement
US to protect oil plants, military bases inside Russia from Ukrainian drone attacksKanal1347,253 views | 1,609 | March 5 2025 05:00:06 (327 comments)[ Read more … ]
#Kanal13 #likekanal13 #subscribekanal13 #warinukraine https://www.youtube.com/user/kanal13az?sub_confirmation=1 – SUBSCRIBE TO US! The production of long-range drones, which Ukraine uses to carry out most of its strikes on Russian territory, is almost independent of assistance from the United States, Ukrainian military observer Denis Popovich told Radio NV.
“This is what was developed and is used by us. The issue of air defense depends on American supplies. The use of HIMARS depends on American supplies. Everything that flies out of HIMARS. Satellite reconnaissance may depend on American supplies. And, accordingly, satellite reconnaissance may have an impact on the operation of long-range drones. And the production of these drones itself does not depend on American suppliers,” Popovich explained.
Recently, Bloomberg journalists reported that US President Donald Trump had stopped all American aid to Ukraine . This includes weapons that had already been sent but had not yet been delivered to Ukraine. The official said Trump had instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to suspend shipments of all U.S. military equipment that is not currently in Ukraine, including weapons already being transported by plane or ship or waiting in transit zones in Poland.
The US decision to stop aid to Ukraine will primarily affect the supply of air defense missiles and artillery ammunition, Voice of America journalist Ostap Yarish wrote on the social network X .
In particular, a senior Trump administration official confirmed to the publication that the US is pausing all military aid to Ukraine.
“It appears that the pause affects all planned but not yet completed deliveries – in particular under the USAI long-term support program. If you look at the latest announcements from the Biden administration, here we are primarily talking about air defense missiles, HIMARS ammunition and artillery,” Yarish writes.
He also recalled that the last time Donald Trump announced a suspension of arms supplies to Ukraine in 2019, it led to Democrats in the House of Representatives impeaching him, although the Senate later acquitted him.
As American officials and experts note, Ukraine will not feel the consequences of the termination of American aid immediately. According to various opinions, several weeks, and perhaps even months, will pass.
However, the effect of such a decision will be “devastating” and will affect Ukraine’s military power even years later. http://youtube.com/kanal13az/join – click here and support Kanal13 monthly for distributing more videos and independent journalism
No matter when and where the mess strikes, stay on top of it with this compact, lightweight shop vacuum. The highly portable design is perfect for quick pick-ups around the house. Never before have we offered so much power and versatility in one portable package. The impressive 6.0 peak HP motor can handle any task, and when detached will blow you away.
About the Author
Patryk Alexander is an associate copy editor at 4kVideoDrones.com, where he sharpens articles and helps keep the website's content clean and error-free. With a background in creative writing, Patryk brings a unique perspective to his editing that helps make 4kVideoDrones.com's content engaging and informative. When he's not editing or writing, Patryk enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the great outdoors.
