Ukrainian forces have intensified long-range drone attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, striking an oil refinery in the southern port city of Tuapse for the third time in two weeks, according to Ukrainian military sources.
Unmanned Systems Forces of Ukraine commander Robert “Magyar” Brovdi confirmed the latest overnight strike on April 28, marking a sustained campaign against strategic fuel infrastructure inside Russia.
The refinery at Tuapse, on Russia’s Black Sea coast, has been repeatedly targeted, with earlier attacks on April 16 and April 20 causing significant damage and fires that burned for days.
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Following the April 20 strike, Ukraine’s General Staff said 24 storage tanks were destroyed and several others damaged, severely disrupting operations at the facility. Fires reportedly reignited after the second wave of strikes, prolonging the destruction.
Local footage shared on social media showed thick black smoke rising above the industrial site, with residents reporting soot-like residue and environmental contamination in surrounding areas. Regional authorities later acknowledged the release of combustion byproducts and urged people to limit time outdoors.
After the latest strike, authorities in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai said a fire had broken out following falling drone debris but reported no casualties.
Russia’s defence ministry claimed its air defences intercepted 186 Ukrainian drones across southern regions and occupied Crimea, though those claims could not be independently verified.
The Tuapse refinery lies roughly 500 kilometres from Ukrainian-controlled territory and has become a recurring target in Ukraine’s broader strategy of striking energy infrastructure deep inside Russia — a campaign Kyiv says is aimed at reducing Moscow’s ability to finance and sustain its war effort.
Tuapse again.
Another night, another strike on Russia’s energy backbone.
Every hit chips away at the machine funding the war. pic.twitter.com/UYxQDQ01lR
— Shaun Pinner (@ShaunPinnerUA) April 28, 2026
Ukrainian officials have consistently argued that oil refineries, storage depots and fuel logistics networks are legitimate military targets given their role in supplying Russia’s armed forces.
The renewed attacks follow similar drone strikes on multiple Russian energy sites in recent days, signalling an escalation in Ukraine’s long-range strike capability and its focus on disrupting Russia’s energy exports and domestic fuel supply chain.
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