Ukrainian forces have carried out a significant strike deep inside Russian territory, confirming the use of British-supplied weaponry. Officials announced that Storm Shadow missiles provided by the UK were deployed to hit the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Russia's Rostov region.
Details of the Military Strikes
The attack, which took place on Friday 26 December 2025, targeted a facility described as a major producer of petrol products. Ukrainian officials stated the refinery was directly supplying fuel to the armed forces of the Russian Federation, making it a legitimate military objective.
In a coordinated series of assaults, Ukrainian long-range drones also struck other energy infrastructure targets across Russia. These separate drone attacks hit oil product storage tanks in Temryuk, located in the Krasnodar region, and a gas processing plant in Orenburg.
Russian Confirmation and Damage Assessment
Russian authorities have confirmed parts of the assault. Officials reported that the drone strikes on Temryuk caused two storage tanks to catch fire. The resulting blaze was substantial, covering an area estimated at approximately 2,000 square metres.
The use of the Storm Shadow missile, a long-range, air-launched cruise missile, marks a continued escalation in Ukraine's capability to strike high-value targets far behind the front lines. The Novoshakhtinsk refinery is a significant piece of industrial infrastructure for Russia's war effort.
Political Context and Peace Prospects
This military action comes amid hints of potential diplomatic movement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently suggested there had been progress regarding a potential peace deal. This followed his discussions with Steve Witkoff, an envoy representing US President Donald Trump.
The strikes underscore the complex and volatile nature of the conflict, where intense military action continues alongside fragile diplomatic overtures. The direct involvement of Western-supplied advanced weaponry, like the Storm Shadow, remains a critical and politically sensitive factor in Ukraine's defence strategy.
