Ukraine drone strikes hit two Russian refineries, fuel crisis grips Crimea as Putin acknowledges impact
Ukrainian long-range drone attacks damaged two oil refineries deep inside Russia, triggering fuel shortages and a state of emergency in occupied Crimea, as President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the impact for the first time.
Attacks on refineries
Ukrainian forces struck two Russian oil refineries overnight on 28 June, President Volodymyr Zelenski confirmed. The Slavyansk refinery in Krasnodar region, about 300 kilometres from the front line, and a facility in Yaroslavl region, roughly 700 kilometres from the Ukrainian border, were both hit. Zelenski described the operation as "long-range sanctions" and said it was carried out on Ukraine's Constitution Day.
Our warriors began Ukraine's Constitution Day with great precision. Last night, our long-range sanctions hit two oil refineries in Russia.
Casualties and damage
In Krasnodar, the regional governor Veniamin Kondratiev reported one person killed and another injured after fragments from intercepted drones fell on the town of Slavyansk-na-Kubani. Several houses were damaged and a high-voltage power line was affected. A fire broke out at the refinery site. Russian air defences claimed to have repelled a mass drone attack, but falling debris caused the casualties and destruction.
Fuel crisis and Crimea emergency
Months of Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure have already strained fuel supplies. The latest attacks worsened shortages, with local authorities reporting kilometre-long queues at petrol stations across Russia. In Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, a state of emergency was declared earlier in the week to manage the growing fuel crisis. Putin said the peninsula needs 70,000 tonnes of fuel per month and currently has reserves for only a few days.
As for fuel supply to Crimea... its monthly need is 70,000 tons. Currently, Crimea has reserves for a few days, but its needs will be covered.
Putin's response
Speaking at a United Russia party congress ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for 18–20 September, Putin publicly acknowledged that Ukraine's drone campaign is causing difficulties. He promised to guarantee the security of Russian citizens and the inviolability of the country's borders, and said the elections would be protected from external manipulation.
We have enough forces and means, enough political will. No one should have any doubt about that. Yes, we see the problems, we recognise them and we react. But we will definitely guarantee the security of the country and our citizens, the inviolability of our borders for a long historical perspective.
- Ukrainian drones strike Slavyansk and Yaroslavl refineries overnight.
- President Zelenski confirms the attacks on Telegram, calling them 'long-range sanctions'.
- President Putin addresses United Russia congress, acknowledges difficulties and promises fuel supply to Crimea.
- Reports emerge of kilometre-long queues at Russian petrol stations.
Political context
The attacks are part of a sustained Ukrainian campaign targeting Russian refineries, export terminals and logistics routes. Zelenski has framed them as retaliation for Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure. The Kremlin had previously downplayed the impact, but Putin's remarks on 28 June marked a shift in tone, acknowledging the strain on Russia's oil sector and the need to reassure the public ahead of the September vote.
