Ukraine's drones struck Russian oil refinery 1,500 km from the border

Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) struck the Bashneft-Novoyl oil refinery in Ufa, Bashkortostan, sparking explosions and a large fire, intelligence sources said.

The refinery, one of Russia’s largest, sits about 1,500 kilometers from Ukraine. Preliminary assessments indicate critical damage to infrastructure, including a vacuum column used in oil processing.

Local reports described drones over the city before the blasts. Authorities declared a drone alert, suspended flights at Ufa airport, and cut mobile internet access.

The strike is part of Ukraine’s campaign against Russian energy assets. Days earlier, Ukrainian forces hit the Ilsky refinery in Krasnodar Krai and the “8-N” oil pipeline control station in Bryansk Oblast, both used to supply fuel to Russian troops.

Russians shellling on Kostiantynivka for nearly an hour resulted in 3 killed and 7 injured

Russian forces bombarded the city of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast for nearly an hour on Sept. 13, killing three civilians and wounding seven more, local officials said. The attack involved heavy artillery and Smerch multiple rocket launchers.

A residential neighborhood was struck, leaving victims ranging in age from 27 to 78. The three killed were 33, 76, and 78 years old, while the wounded — four women and three men — suffered shrapnel wounds, blast injuries, and even an open fracture. Doctors said their conditions are stable but moderate.

“This was a deliberate strike on civilians,” Donetsk Governor Vadym Filashkin said. Ukraine’s Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the shelling and launched an investigation into the latest Russian war crime.

Zelenskyy urges partners to not looking for excuses for not imposing sanctions on Russia

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Ukraine’s partners to stop delaying sanctions against Russia, saying excuses are only helping Moscow prolong the war. In his evening address, he appealed directly to the U.S., Europe, and the G7 and G20 nations.

Zelenskyy stressed that sanctions must focus on Russia’s energy sector, warning that those who continue buying Russian supplies are fueling the Kremlin’s war machine. He said Ukraine expects “strong steps” from Washington, including tougher sanctions and tariff measures, to set an example for others.

The president also announced that Ukraine will step up long-range strikes on Russian territory, saying the financing and operational plans for these “deep strikes” are already in place.