Ukraine's General Staff reports strike on Ilsky oil refinery in Russia's Krasnodar region

Ukraine's General Staff reported on September 26 that Ukrainian forces struck the Ilsky oil refinery located in Russia's Krasnodar region, as part of ongoing efforts to degrade Russian military logistics and fuel supply capacity.

Strategic target in Krasnodar

The Ilsky refinery is one of several petroleum processing facilities in southern Russia that Ukrainian forces have targeted over the course of the war. Strikes on refineries and fuel depots are part of Ukraine's declared strategy to reduce Russia's capacity to sustain its front-line forces by cutting off fuel supplies.

The Krasnodar region, which lies along the Black Sea coast, serves as a key logistical hub for Russian forces operating in southern Ukraine, including in Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Crimea.

Pattern of infrastructure strikes

Ukraine has increasingly used long-range drones and missiles to hit energy and logistics targets deep inside Russian territory. Officials in Kyiv have argued that targeting oil infrastructure is a legitimate response to Russia's systematic attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

Russia's federal authorities have not immediately confirmed the attack on the Ilsky refinery. Details on the extent of damage were still being assessed.