(PatriotPostNews.com) — An alleged Ukrainian drone strike has struck a major oil refinery in Russia. Reports suggest that the strike is part of an ongoing campaign against Russia’s energy infrastructure by Ukraine.
There have been numerous attacks Russia’s energy infrastructure, but Ukraine has been hesitant to claim responsibility for the attacks. The attacks generally consist of swarms of drones, including “kamikaze drones,” or drones that dive into targets and detonate rather than shoot from a distance.
The allegedly Ukrainian attack against Russia consisted of at least 75 drones that targeted energy infrastructure across a number of different Russian regions. At the Tuapse refinery located along the Black Sea, one of Russia’s largest refineries, officials reported that a fire erupted as a result of debris from a downed drone. It is reported that the continued attacks are being carried out by Ukraine.
Russia and Ukraine both utilize kamikaze drones. Russia uses the Iranian-made Shahed-136 drone. The drone features an over eight foot wingspan and is designed to circle over a target until instructed to engage. The United States has donated kamikaze drones to Ukraine, known as “Switchblade Kamikaze drones.” Russian officials assert that Ukraine used kamikaze drones to carry out attacks against three different Russian air bases.
The damage to Russian infrastructure has reached a breaking point and Russia has been forced to pull back oil exports, which may hurt the Russian economy. In July, Russian gas prices increased by 11%. Russia banned gasoline exports in March and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced that the ban could be extended through August, 2024. Russia hopes that banning exports will stem rising gas prices in the country.
Ukraine has claimed responsibility for at least three attacks against Russian infrastructure, including oil refineries in the Afipsky, Krasnodar, and Ilsky regions. In late June, Russian officials shot down a significant number of Ukrainian drones, many of which were engaged in an attack against the Russian navy in the Black Sea.
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