The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has launched a drone strike on the Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat petrochemical plant in Russia’s Bashkortostan Republic, marking the second such strike in a week, according to a source in the agency told the Kyiv Independent on Sept. 24. This attack follows a similar strike on the same facility earlier in the week, indicating a continued escalation in the conflict. The SBU’s actions are part of a broader strategy to disrupt Russia’s energy infrastructure, which has been a key component of its war effort in Ukraine.
Analysts suggest that the repeated strikes on the Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat plant are aimed at reducing Russia’s ability to supply oil and gas to European markets, thereby pressuring the Russian economy. The targeting of such facilities is seen as a significant shift in the conflict, as it directly impacts Russia’s economic capabilities. The SBU’s use of drones highlights the increasing reliance on remote-controlled weapons in modern warfare, a trend that is reshaping the strategic landscape of the conflict.
International reactions to the strikes have been mixed. While some countries have expressed support for Ukraine’s efforts to weaken Russia’s war economy, others have raised concerns about the potential for escalation. The attack on the Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat plant is part of a growing trend of targeted strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, which could have far-reaching consequences for global energy markets and diplomatic relations.