Ukrainian Drone Strikes Target Russia’s Oil Refineries and Digital Infrastructure

Ukraine’s expanding long-range drone campaign is reportedly putting increasing pressure on Russia’s energy sector and digital infrastructure, adding further challenges to an economy already strained by military spending and the prolonged war.

According to the supplied report, Ukrainian drones struck three Yandex data centers in Sasovo, Kaluga, and Vladimir during October, damaging computing infrastructure linked to Russia’s digital economy. The report also highlights a November 2 decree signed by President Vladimir Putin that allegedly requires private data center operators to reserve 10% of their computing capacity for potential government use and provide access within 24 hours of an official request.

Russia’s oil industry has also faced reported attacks. Ukrainian drones allegedly targeted the Novokuibyshevsk, Bashneft-Novoil, NORSI, and Slavneft-YANOS refineries between October 30 and November 3. Together, these facilities represent an estimated 15–16% of Russia’s installed refining capacity, although this figure does not mean that all of that capacity was destroyed or taken offline.

The attacks come amid reports of growing financial pressure on Moscow. Russia’s budget deficit reportedly reached 5.8 trillion rubles during the first eight months of 2026, with projections placing it at 7.3 trillion rubles by year-end. Claims of possible delays to military salary payments add to concerns about the cost of sustaining the war.

If confirmed, the reported damage could increase repair costs and complicate Russia’s efforts to maintain energy production and critical digital services.