In a show of escalating aggression, Ukraine's security services have claimed responsibility for launching drone attacks on two oil refineries located in Russia's Krasnodar region, according to a source in the security services. The targeted refineries, Ilsky and Afipsky, are not only crucial for the Russian economy but also play a significant role in providing fuel for Russian troops.

Videos circulating on social media depicted flames engulfing the Ilsky refinery, a small town inland from the Black Sea coast. Local rescue services confirmed that a fire broke out at the refinery, although it remains unclear if it was caused by the drone attack. The extent of the damage at the Afipsky refinery is currently unknown.

Ukraine's security services have justified these attacks, stating that the refineries serve as legitimate targets due to their involvement in defense operations and their impact on the Russian economy. However, Ukraine's Intel representatives refrained from confirming or denying Kyiv's involvement in the incident when approached for comments by Kyiv Post.

The hostilities between Russia and Ukraine have intensified, with both countries launching a total of 35 drones at each other overnight. Russia's defense ministry reported shooting down 19 Ukrainian drones in different regions and over the Black Sea, while Ukraine claimed to have intercepted and destroyed 10 out of the 16 Russian drones fired.

Incidents involving Ukrainian drones targeting Russian infrastructure are not entirely new. On February 3, a fire broke out at a major Russian oil refinery in the Volgograd region after a drone attack, believed to be the work of Ukraine. The Volgograd refinery, operated by Lukoil, is considered a significant producer of oil products in the federal South district, spanning eight regions in southwest Russia.

Earlier this month, on January 25, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) targeted an oil refinery in the Russian city of Tuapse in the Krasnodar Territory. These actions indicate that Ukraine's SBU is conducting strikes deep within Russian territory, aimed at sabotaging key economic and strategic assets.

The continued drone attacks on Russian oil refineries and infrastructure mark a dangerous escalation in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. As tensions mount, it remains uncertain how these actions will impact the already fragile relationship between the two nations.