Ukrainian forces have stepped up the use of long‑range loitering drones against Russian energy infrastructure, targeting a string of large refineries that have been forced offline for weeks. The attacks have been carried out with the FP‑1 drone, which weighs between 60 kg and 120 kg and costs roughly US$55,000 per unit, and an extended‑range version known as FP‑1(ER) that can travel more than 3,300 km, allowing it to reach deep‑Siberian sites.

Recent strikes and their impact

On 31 July a Lukoil refinery in Volgograd was hit, as was a Wildberries distribution centre. A separate strike on a Wildberries warehouse in Tatarstan sparked a fire that burned for several hours. In Ryazan, a fire broke out at an oil‑processing plant after FP‑1 drones were reported to have struck, and Reuters has indicated that the Ryazan refinery could remain closed for up to two weeks for repairs.

The Omsk refinery’s ELOU‑AVT‑11 primary processing unit, which handles roughly 8.4 million tonnes of crude each year and accounts for about ten percent of Russia’s total oil output, was also hit. The unit is owned by Gazpromneft‑ONPZ.

Many of the damaged components were originally sourced from Western manufacturers, meaning that replacement parts are slow to arrive. Small items such as microchips can be smuggled, but larger components like fractionation columns require a year of manufacturing in China followed by another year for installation.

Drone design and operating methods

The FP‑1’s design resembles Turkey’s Bayraktar series, featuring a central pod, twin tail booms and a horizontal stabiliser. Ukrainian operators plan attacks by having engineers identify vulnerable refinery components and then programming the drones to follow radar‑evading routes to those points.

In addition to the FP‑1 family, Ukraine operates larger loitering drones called Liutyi, based on the An‑196 airframe, and the Bober system. The Liutyi, produced by Antonov and Ukroboronprom in response to Iranian Shahed drones, carries a 50‑75 kg warhead, can fly about 2,000 km and uses onboard artificial intelligence to compare live video with stored images, allowing autonomous strike adjustments. Liutyi drones have been repeatedly used against the Tuapse refinery on the Black Sea.

Western support and Russian air‑defence challenges

Czech analyst Lukáš Visingr has explained that Ukrainian planners receive real‑time location data on Russian air‑defence batteries from Western reconnaissance aircraft and satellites, and that the United States and France supply targeting data that helps the drones avoid heavily defended corridors. He has warned that the nominal 75 km range of the S‑300 system does not guarantee coverage because terrain, low‑altitude flight and signal interference create blind spots.

Russia’s air‑defence command is testing electronic‑warfare techniques to jam the navigation systems of Ukrainian drones, with mixed success. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has announced a programme to modernise S‑300 and S‑400 batteries with newer radars and missiles.

Export bans and European reaction

The Russian government has lengthened bans on gasoline exports until 31 January 2027 and kept diesel exports prohibited through the end of the summer. Poland and the Baltic states have welcomed the bans as a catalyst to accelerate alternative supply investments, while Germany and Italy, which still import some Russian diesel, are facing higher fuel prices and tighter logistics margins.

The European Commission has warned that prolonged shortages could push gasoline prices above €1.80 per litre, a level many households consider unaffordable. EU officials are discussing a “European Drone Defence Initiative” to pool radar data, missile stocks and electronic‑countermeasure capabilities, and the “Fit for 55” climate package now includes a clause encouraging the creation of strategic fuel reserves and investment in hydrogen‑compatible refineries. If the export bans continue, the EU may consider easing competition rules to allow cross‑border fuel swaps and faster movement of spare parts for refinery repairs.

Domestic Russian response

Russian refinery workers have reported reduced overtime, lower bonuses and, in some cases, temporary layoffs as output falls. Trade unions have expressed concern about living‑standard impacts, although their statements are tightly controlled by state media. The Ministry of Energy has downplayed the attacks, describing the disruptions as temporary and being swiftly addressed.

Russian officials have accused the United States and France of providing illegal targeting data that enables the strikes. President Vladimir Putin has warned that any further sabotage of energy infrastructure will be met with decisive retaliation and has hinted at expanding Russia’s own “Karat” loitering‑munition programme.

Outlook

Ukrainian officials say the drone campaign will continue while it creates strategic and economic pressure on Moscow. Future operations may involve larger swarms, more advanced AI‑guided loitering munitions and integrated cyber attacks on Russian command networks. Russia is attempting to close gaps in its air‑defence network while developing its own long‑range loitering weapons.

European trade unions are urging governments to speed up renewable‑energy transitions and protect consumers from fuel‑price spikes, while industry groups warn that abrupt reductions in Russian fuel imports could undermine the competitiveness of European manufacturers that rely on cheap energy.