On the night of April 18, the Forces of Unmanned Systems (SBS) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine launched large-scale strikes against Russian oil infrastructure and facilities in occupied territories. The operation targeted key refineries in the Samara region and strategic ports. These actions significantly restricted the aggressor’s export capabilities.
SBS Commander Robert “Magyar” Brovdi reported the successful strikes on Saturday.
He stated that the operation resulted from the coordinated efforts of SBS deep strike units, the SBU, SSO, and GUR. The Ukrainian military is systematically destroying the enemy’s economic potential that funds the full-scale invasion.
The Commander provided a detailed account of the mission:
“The Sting of the Freedom-Loving Ukrainian Bird of the Defense Forces of Ukraine on the night of April 18 tasted: Novokuibyshevsk refinery, Vysotsk Lukoil-2 port, Syzran refinery, Tikhoretsk oil transfer, Sevastopol oil depot, several military facilities in the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea, and the temporarily occupied Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.”
Impact on Russian energy logistics
According to the SBS, the Russian Federation loses approximately $100 million per day due to ongoing strikes on its oil logistics infrastructure. Total daily shipments along the Primorsk – Ust-Luga – Sheskharis – Tuapse route have decreased by about 880,000 barrels. After the Sheskharis terminal was damaged, Russia attempted to redirect flows to Tuapse. However, Ukrainian forces struck the Tuapse refinery on April 16, causing a massive fire.
The attack on the Syzran refinery is particularly significant. This plant processes up to 8.5 million tons of oil annually. Its tank farm serves as a critical logistics hub for crude oil coming from Western Siberia. Damaging this facility paralyzes both refining processes and further exports via the Volga River.
Furthermore, Robert Brovdi commented on international political decisions regarding Russian energy. He noted that the Donald Trump administration extended licenses for the sale of Russian oil until May 16. The Commander argued that allowing the sale of already loaded tankers effectively gifts the Russian army nearly $10 billion.
Previously, The Ukrainian Review reported that Ukraine strikes 16 Russian targets, including air defenses and oil facilities.
