The reciprocal attacks between Russia and Ukraine continue as strikes on energy facilities and infrastructure on both sides intensify. A fire broke out at the Afipsky oil refinery in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region following a drone attack, while Moscow announced that it had destroyed 148 aerial targets overnight.
Fire at Afipsky Refinery and Fatalities
Krasnodar Governor “Veniamin Kondratyev” said in a post on Telegram on Tuesday that a fire broke out at the Afipsky oil refinery following a drone attack, without immediately specifying the extent of the damage to the facility or how long its operations would be suspended.
“Kondratyev” added that two people were killed and two others injured after drone debris fell on the Afipsky railway station, as authorities dealt with the consequences of the attack and its impact on the ground.
Ukraine has been targeting Russian oil refineries, energy facilities, and related infrastructure for some time as part of its efforts to weaken Moscow’s economic capabilities and reduce revenues that could contribute to financing Russia’s war effort.
The attack on the Afipsky refinery follows another incident at a Russian oil facility recently. Two sources in the refining sector said that the Perm Oil Refinery, Russia’s seventh-largest refinery by refining capacity, halted operations after a Ukrainian drone attack on August 21 that caused a fire and damaged its processing units.
The Afipsky refinery’s activities are heavily focused on exports. It processed approximately 7.2 million tonnes of crude oil in 2024, equivalent to around 144,000 barrels per day. The facility has been targeted by several Ukrainian drone attacks in recent months, making it one of the Russian oil facilities repeatedly targeted.
Russia Announces Interception of 148 Aerial Targets
The Russian Defense Ministry announced that its air defense systems had intercepted and destroyed 148 aerial targets overnight across several areas in the country’s south and west.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the ministry said the targets were destroyed over the Krasnodar region and the Republic of Crimea, as well as the Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Kursk, Lipetsk, and Rostov regions, in addition to areas over the waters of the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.
Earlier Tuesday, Rostov Governor “Yuri Slyusar” said air defenses had shot down around 30 drones over the region, confirming that no injuries had been reported, according to local authorities.
The attacks come amid an ongoing exchange of aerial strikes between Moscow and Kyiv, with Ukraine continuing to target oil and energy facilities inside Russian territory, while Russia intensifies its missile and air attacks against targets inside Ukraine.
Guterres Calls for Protection of Civilians
On the political and humanitarian front, the United Nations renewed its call to stop attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure amid the continuing escalation.
“Stéphane Dujarric,” spokesperson for UN Secretary-General “António Guterres,” said the secretary-general was deeply concerned about the continued escalation, stressing that attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure constitute a clear violation of international humanitarian law, regardless of where they occur, and calling for an immediate halt to such attacks.
“Guterres” made the remarks following a large-scale Ukrainian strike targeting the Krasnodar region on the night of August 24. According to the regional operations headquarters, the attack damaged a facility for children in the city of Krasnodar, killing three children and injuring eight other people, including six children.
United News Network – UNN Arabic
An independent media platform providing reliable news and objective analysis, seeking to promote peace and cultural dialogue around the world, convey the truth, and build bridges of understanding among peoples.
For more news, visit our homepage:
Author: Counselor Faisal Al-Mutairi
Publication Date: August 25, 2026
Last Updated: August 2026
