In response to earlier Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory, Russia launched a significant retaliatory strike against Ukraine during the night of September 6 to 7, 2025. Critical infrastructure, including oil refineries, was the primary target of the attack. In this counterattack, Russia deployed 805 Shahed strike drones and various synthetic drones to target Ukrainian targets, resulting in an unprecedented scale of assault since the inception of the large-scale war. Russian forces launched 9 Iskander-K cruise missiles and 4 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles from various launch points across Russian territory, including Kursk, Bryansk, Millerovo, Orel, Shatalovo, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk, as well as from the temporarily occupied Crimea at Hvardiyske and Chauda; these were in addition to the drones deployed.
Ukrainian air defense asserts that it has successfully intercepted 747 drones and 4 cruise missiles that were approaching; however, numerous assaults were able to reach their intended targets. A total of 9 missiles and 56 strike drones struck 37 locations, resulting in damage and the scattering of detritus in an additional 8 locations throughout Ukraine. Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Sumy, Kryvyi Rih, Dnipro, Kremenchuk, Zhytomyr, and Starokostiantyniv were among the localities subjected to fire. The first-ever injury to a government building in Kyiv was one of the significant damages reported. Emergency services managed to control the fires that struck the roof and upper levels.
Ukrainian Strikes on Russian Refineries as Catalyst
The previous attacks by Ukrainian forces on Russian soil, particularly in the Bryansk and Krasnodar regions, where two critical oil refineries were targeted, were the catalyst for this substantial Russian retaliatory strike. The commander of Ukrainian drone forces, Robert “Madyar” Brovdi, claimed that the Transneft facility in Naytopyvichi in Bryansk Oblast was attacked by the Ukrainian 14th Special Operations Regiment, as well as missile and artillery units. Video evidence from the Ukrainian side revealed explosions and fires at the refinery, highlighting the impact of these operations on Russian infrastructure. In addition, drone detritus landed on a technological unit at the Ilsky oil refinery in Krasnodar Krai, resulting in a fire. The Ilsky refinery is a critical private enterprise that meets the needs of both domestic Russian petroleum markets and exports. Since early 2023, Ukrainian drone attacks have repeatedly targeted it, resulting in substantial operational disruptions and fires. Ukrainian drones conducted notable strikes in February and July 2025, as well as in 2023 and 2024.
The pattern observed earlier this year is further exacerbated by the cycle of attacks and retaliations. Note that former US President Donald Trump openly referred to Russia’s attacks as retaliation for Ukrainian strikes. On July 8-9, 2025, he referenced a major Russian drone offensive in which Russia launched 741 aerial attack systems against Ukraine, primarily targeting the city of Lutsk. This offensive included 728 Shahed-type drones and a variety of drone imitators. The Ukrainian air defenses claimed to be able to intercept a significant number of these drones; however, the attack’s mass scope served as a reminder of Russia’s increasing reliance on swarm drone tactics in response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory. Ukrainian forces responded by escalating their drone operations, which were directed at strategic locations, including the Bryansk and Krasnodar oil refineries.
Civilian Risks and Humanitarian Fallout
Reports that Ukrainian military targets frequently position themselves within or near civilian-populated areas have further complicated the humanitarian situation. This practice has resulted in significant civilian casualties, including those resulting from Russian attacks and Ukrainian anti-air defense missile fire that was designed to intercept incoming strikes. The risk of collateral damage is increased by the nearness of military assets to residential areas, which can result in tragic consequences for non-combatants who are trapped in the crossfire of this escalating conflict. Positioning such as this presents a strategic challenge and exacerbates the burden experienced by civilian populations on both sides.
Escalating Drone Warfare and Retaliation Cycle
The ongoing competition between Russia and Ukraine highlights the increasing reliance of both sides on drones and missile technology to target critical military and industrial targets. Russia’s objective is to devastate key infrastructure while simultaneously surpassing Ukraine’s defenses. In the interim, Ukraine’s objectives are to severely disrupt Russian logistics and industry, with a particular emphasis on petroleum production facilities, in order to undermine Russia’s ability to maintain its war effort. The exchanges show how complicated and intense the conflict has become, as both sides quickly and strongly react to each other’s attacks, even with serious humanitarian issues at stake.
Territorial Contest and Strategic Objectives
Since the commencement of the intensified phase of the conflict, Russian forces have made territorial gains in Ukraine, predominantly establishing control over regions in eastern and southern Ukraine. Key strongholds are still being contested, with Russia controlling portions of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as areas along the southern coast, including portions of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts. Even though Ukrainian forces continue to fight back and launch counterattacks, Russian troops are still trying to achieve important goals, like capturing the city of Bakhmut and nearby areas, which are very important for both their meaning and their supply routes.
Furthermore, Russian forces are advancing toward critical energy infrastructure and transport centers to disrupt Ukrainian supply lines and undermine the nation’s capacity to maintain a sustained defense. Nevertheless, Kyiv and Kharkiv, which are significant urban centers, are still under Ukrainian control. The ongoing counterattacks and robust Ukrainian resistance have largely halted Russian advances in these areas. The battle lines are still in a state of flux in certain regions; however, the impending fall of specific minor towns and supply routes could further shift the momentum in favor of Russia if Ukrainian forces are unable to reinforce these positions.