The Russian military announced on Saturday that it had successfully intercepted and destroyed 105 Ukrainian drones over its territory and the Black Sea. According to a statement released by the Russian Ministry of Defense, the drones were neutralized on September 26, 2026. The incident comes amid ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

Earlier on Saturday, the Ukrainian military reported that it had launched a nighttime attack on the Ilsky oil refinery in Russia's Krasnodar region. The refinery, which Ukraine described as a key contributor to Russia's war efforts, caught fire during the attack. The Ukrainian military's actions are part of a broader campaign targeting Russian energy infrastructure.

The attacks on Russian energy facilities have been ongoing since the start of the conflict, with many of the country's major oil refineries coming under fire. According to a report by the International Energy Agency, only five of Russia's 32 major oil refineries have remained untouched by the attacks. Some refineries have been hit as many as 15 times.

The Ilsky oil refinery, which was targeted on Saturday, is one of the facilities that have been hit by Ukrainian drones. The refinery's location in the Krasnodar region makes it a key target for Ukrainian forces. Russia's defense ministry did not provide details on the extent of the damage caused by the drone attacks.

The escalation of attacks on energy infrastructure comes despite calls from US President Donald Trump for both sides to refrain from targeting such facilities. However, both Russia and Ukraine have continued to launch attacks on each other's energy infrastructure. The situation remains tense, with no clear end in sight to the conflict.

The Russian military's ability to intercept and destroy Ukrainian drones is a significant development in the ongoing conflict. The use of drones has become a key aspect of modern warfare, allowing countries to launch precision attacks on enemy targets. Russia's success in neutralizing the drones suggests that it has developed effective countermeasures.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has had significant implications for global energy markets. The attacks on Russian energy infrastructure have raised concerns about the potential for supply disruptions and price increases. The situation remains volatile, with both sides showing no signs of backing down.

Key points

  • Russia's defense ministry says it intercepted and destroyed 105 drones over its territory and the Black Sea.
  • Ukrainian military launched a nighttime attack on the Ilsky oil refinery in Russia's Krasnodar region.
  • The conflict has had significant implications for global energy markets.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.