Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine used drones to attack two Russian oil refineries in the Yaroslavl and Bashkortostan regions, located several hundred kilometers from the frontline. Meanwhile, Russia launched assaults on multiple Ukrainian areas, causing civilian casualties and damage, including to Ukrainian wheat-carrying cargo ships in the Black Sea.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine revealed today (6 Aug) that Ukrainian forces used drones to attack two Russian oil refineries during a long-range nighttime operation, with targets located several hundred kilometers from the frontline.
Zelensky specified that the refineries attacked were the Slavneft-Yanos refinery in Yaroslavl city, north of Moscow, about 700 kilometers from the frontline, and the Bashneft-Novoyl refinery in Bashkortostan region, approximately 1,300 kilometers from the frontline. He said the strikes would increase pressure on Russia and "enhance diplomatic opportunities," urging Russia to choose peace.
The Slavneft-Yanos refinery is among Russia's largest, established in 1961, with a crude oil refining capacity of about 15 million tons annually. It produces various fuels, including automotive gasoline, aviation fuel, and multiple oil products, employing around 3,500 people.
Mikhail Yefrayev, governor of Yaroslavl region, said the area experienced its largest drone attack ever. Air defense systems intercepted 92 drones, but falling debris caused fires in three houses and damaged the refinery's oil storage tanks. Four people were injured, with no deaths reported.
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 605 Ukrainian drones overnight across multiple areas, including Moscow, the Black Sea, and Yaroslavl region. Meanwhile, Ukraine claimed it attacked two Russian military patrol ships and vessels related to the Russian shadow fleet in the Black Sea.
The attacks occurred amid escalating long-range fighting. Previously, Russia struck Kyiv with missiles and drones, causing at least 17 deaths and damaging warehouses and businesses in Ukraine's capital.
Recently, Russia also attacked Barakliya city in Kharkiv region, killing three people and causing fires in residential areas. In Sumy city, 12 people were injured, and in Lozova, Kharkiv region, Russian attacks killed two people near a railway station.
In Odessa, southern Ukraine, a commercial ship carrying Ukrainian wheat was attacked in the Black Sea, resulting in one death and three injuries, according to the Odessa regional governor. The ship, flying the Guinea-Bissau flag, sustained damage to its hull and caught fire.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed it struck two cargo ships in the Black Sea, alleging they were transporting weapons into Ukraine near the port of Odessa. However, it remains unclear whether this incident is related to the wheat-carrying ship attack.
The Black Sea remains a vital route for Ukrainian goods and grain exports and has been a continuous target of attacks. Ukrainian port authorities reported that in July alone, Russia attacked civilian ships 57 times—22 at sea—and struck port infrastructure 67 times.
The increase in long-range attacks by both sides occurs while diplomatic efforts to end the war remain stalled, leading to rising civilian casualties since Russia launched a major offensive against Ukraine over four years ago.