On December 25, 2025, Ukraine reported that its military struck the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Russia’s Rostov region using British-supplied Storm Shadow long-range missiles, causing multiple explosions at the facility.
The missiles used in the strike were Storm Shadow cruise missiles, supplied by the United Kingdom. These missiles are designed for long-range precision strikes against high-value targets.
The Novoshakhtinsk refinery is one of southern Russia’s largest suppliers of diesel and jet fuel. Ukrainian officials say the facility also provides fuel to Russian troops engaged in the war.
Local residents reported hearing explosions and seeing smoke in the Novoshakhtinsk area. Authorities had also issued an air raid alert as the strike unfolded.
Ukraine continues to target energy and logistical infrastructure deep inside Russia. In a parallel operation, Ukrainian long-range drones reportedly struck oil storage tanks at Temryuk port and a gas processing plant in Orenburg.
Officials have said no civilian casualties have yet been confirmed from the refinery strike, though a firefighter was reported injured while fighting the blaze.
Analysts say strikes on fuel infrastructure are part of Kyiv’s broader effort to disrupt Russia’s military logistics and reduce its economic ability to sustain the war. Energy revenue and fuel production are critical to military operations.