Military Actions by Ukraine Against Russian Infrastructure
Between July 11 and 12, Ukrainian military forces launched strikes on multiple sites inside Russia and within the waters of the Azov Sea. Among the targets was the Syzran oil refinery in Samara Oblast, where explosions and a fire were reported. This refinery, which produces gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel, has an annual design capacity of approximately 8.5 million tons of crude oil. It is the oldest of the three refineries in Rosneft's Samara cluster, which also includes the Kuibyshev and Novokuibyshev facilities. Construction of the Syzran refinery was approved in 1939, and its first fuel shipment was sent to support the Stalingrad Front. The plant considers July 22, 1942, its official founding date.
In addition, Ukrainian defense forces struck 10 Russian tankers and 4 ferries operating in the Azov Sea. The tankers were being used to transport Russian oil in ways that circumvent international sanctions, while the ferries supported Russian military logistics. On July 11, a Russian train carrying fuel and lubricants was also attacked in the occupied city of Tokmak in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
Attacks on Critical Infrastructure
Furthermore, on July 10, Ukrainian troops targeted the NOVATEK-Ust-Luga oil processing complex in Leningrad Oblast, where damage to an oil refining unit was confirmed. During the night of July 12, Russian forces launched a counterattack on Ukraine, firing 13 missiles and 115 drones. Ukraine's air defense systems managed to intercept or suppress 102 out of 128 incoming threats, demonstrating the effectiveness of its defensive capabilities amid the current escalation.
These strikes by Ukrainian forces highlight an active strategy focused on crippling key infrastructure that supports Russia's war efforts. By targeting oil refineries and vessels involved in illicit oil shipments, Ukraine aims to undermine Russia's economic resources and its ability to sustain military operations in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia's retaliatory attacks show that the conflict remains at a high level of intensity, pushing both sides to continue military actions as tensions escalate.
These recent operations are part of a broader strategy by Ukraine to target critical infrastructure deep within Russian territory. For a detailed overview of the extensive long-range strikes conducted by Ukrainian forces, including the implications for regional security, see our coverage on Ukraine's deep strikes into Russia.