On February 12, Ukrainian defense forces, including the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU), conducted a drone strike on the Ukhta oil refinery located in Russia's Komi Republic, approximately 1,750 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. This operation sets a new record for the operational range of Ukrainian drones, demonstrating significant advancements in Ukraine's military capabilities amidst the ongoing conflict. Early reports indicate that the strike resulted in a fire at the refinery's crude distillation and visbreaking units, both critical to its oil processing operations.

The Ukhta refinery is part of Russian oil giant Lukoil's operations and is known for its capacity to process around 4.2 million tonnes of crude oil annually, producing various high-demand products, including motor petrol, diesel fuel, and fuel oil. The refinery plays a strategic role in supporting the Russian military, leading to concerns about its operational impact in the context of the war. By targeting such infrastructure, Ukrainian forces aim to disrupt supply lines and diminish the resources at the disposal of the Russian armed forces.

This drone strike reflects the evolving dynamics of warfare in the region, emphasizing asymmetrical strategies where Ukraine seeks to maximize its technological capabilities against a larger military. The implications of this strike are far-reaching, as it not only underscores Ukraine's determination to hit critical enemy assets but also sends a message about the increasing range and precision of its military operations, raising alarms within Russia about the vulnerabilities of its energy infrastructure.