Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on Russia on Thursday, sending 75 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) toward strategic targets in southern Russia. The strike caused a major fire in an industrial area of Volgograd and disrupted air traffic across the country, highlighting the ongoing tension in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Massive Drone Strike Hits Volgograd Industrial Area
On Thursday, a wave of 75 Ukrainian drones targeted the Volgograd region, thereby setting ablaze a key industrial area in the Krasnoarmeysk district. This district, historically known as Stalingrad, also houses the main Volgograd refinery, one of Russia’s major oil processing facilities.
The attack killed one person and caused extensive fire damage. Russian authorities said a 48-year-old man died after shrapnel hit him during the strike. Meanwhile, fires quickly spread through the industrial zone, creating significant safety and operational concerns.
A major Russian energy company operates the Volgograd refinery, which processes millions of metric tons of oil each year. By 2024, the refinery will handle approximately 13.7 million metric tons of crude oil, accounting for over 5% of Russia’s total refinery output. Furthermore, previous Ukrainian strikes have targeted this facility, indicating its strategic importance in Russia’s energy sector.
Air Travel Disrupted Across Russia
The drone strike caused chaos in Russian air travel, forcing 13 airports across the country to halt flights temporarily. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that 75 Ukrainian drones were intercepted overnight, including 49 in the Volgograd region alone.
Despite these defenses, the sheer volume of drones overwhelmed local response measures, leading to delays and cancellations across multiple cities. Russian media reported that travelers experienced significant disruption, with flights grounded for hours as authorities worked to ensure the safety of airports and passengers.
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This incident underscores the increasing use of drones in modern conflicts. By targeting infrastructure and transportation networks, these unmanned aerial vehicles can create widespread disruption without risking pilot lives. Analysts note that such attacks aim to weaken both the economic and operational capabilities of a nation during ongoing military conflicts.
Intensifying Conflict on the Eastern Front
While Ukraine focused on strikes deep inside Russian territory, Russian troops continue their advance in eastern Ukraine. Military operations near the city of Pokrovsk are underway, with Russian forces aiming to secure control over the region.
The Russian military reports that it currently controls around 19% of Ukrainian territory, roughly 116,000 square kilometers. Meanwhile, independent maps and analysts indicate that Russia has captured over 3,400 square kilometers of Ukrainian land so far in 2025. At the end of 2023, Russia controlled approximately 18% of Ukraine, highlighting a steady, if contested, expansion of influence.
In recent months, Ukraine has increasingly targeted Russian oil refineries, depots, and pipelines. These strikes aim to weaken Russia’s economic capabilities while slowing military operations in eastern Ukraine. The Volgograd attack marks one of the largest drone offensives by Ukraine, demonstrating a strategic push to disrupt energy infrastructure and create operational challenges for Russian forces.
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The use of drones in these operations has grown as technology has advanced, allowing relatively inexpensive, unmanned aircraft to reach deep into enemy territory. The Volgograd attack is an example of how UAVs can simultaneously target multiple critical locations, creating both physical damage and operational chaos.
The combined effect of the industrial fire, loss of life, and airport shutdowns makes Thursday’s strike one of the most significant in the Russia-Ukraine conflict this year. By striking critical energy infrastructure, Ukraine sends a strong signal about the ongoing war’s intensity and the evolving nature of modern military tactics.