Ukrainian forces have launched another wave of attacks on Russian energy infrastructure in the early hours of July 10, targeting oil refineries and other strategic facilities linked to supplying Moscow's military machine.
According to Russian sources on Telegram, one of the main targets was the Ilsky oil refinery in the Krasnodar region, in southern Russia. Locals have posted images on social media showing huge flames above the industrial facilities, although the exact damage has not yet been officially confirmed.
The Ilsky refinery is located about 500 kilometers from areas under Ukrainian control and is considered one of the largest oil processing plants in southern Russia, with an annual capacity of about 6.6 million tons of fuel.
According to reports, this would be the 17th Ukrainian attack on the same refinery. The last strike on this facility was recorded on June 2, according to the Ukrainian General Staff.
Hours after the Krasnodar attack, other energy targets were hit in the Rostov region. In the port city of Taganrog, on the Sea of Azov, large plumes of smoke were reported after a suspected attack on an oil terminal. Flames were also reported at a fuel depot in the city of Azov, but the extent of the damage remains unclear.
Kiev considers Russian energy infrastructure a legitimate military target, arguing that oil and fuel revenues fund the Kremlin's war in Ukraine.
In recent weeks, Ukraine has intensified attacks on refineries, fuel depots, and oil facilities on Russian territory, aiming to weaken the energy capabilities that support the Russian economy and military.
The latest attacks have added to pressure on Moscow, which has been grappling with domestic fuel supply problems, rising prices and trade restrictions. The Russian government announced on July 8 that it would suspend diesel exports until the end of the month after a series of attacks on energy infrastructure.
