Ukrainian long-range drones struck the Ukhta oil refinery in Russia’s Komi Republic, located 1,087 miles (1,750km) from Ukraine’s border, a source in the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said on February 12. The strike marks a new range record for Ukrainian drones, according to the source.

The drones were operated by the SBU’s Alpha special operations centre. Following the strike, a fire and heavy smoke were reported at the facility. “Preliminary information indicates that an atmospheric-vacuum distillation unit and a visbreaking unit were hit. These units are responsible for primary oil refining and the production of fuel oil, and gasoline,” the source said.

However, the claims have not been independently verified to date.

The Ukhta refinery is part of Russia‘s Lukoil group – sanctioned by countries including the US and UK – and processes around 4.2 million tons of oil annually. According to the source, the plant supplies fuel to Russia’s armed forces.

Previously, one of the longest-range Ukrainian drone strikes was reported in 2024 in Russia’s Murmansk Oblast, located about 930 miles from Ukraine.

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This comes after Russian soldiers and pro-war commentators have erupted in anger after the Kremlin moved to low down and restrict Telegram, warning that the decision could undermine frontline operations in Moscow’s war against Ukraine. Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, said on February 10 it would continue introducing restrictions on the messaging app as part of the Kremlin’s broader campaign to tighten control over the country’s information space.

The move follows earlier limits on Telegram and WhatsApp calls, part of a long-running effort by Russian President Vladimir Putin to assert greater control over digital communications. Russian troops have also complained bitterly about the loss of Starlink internet access across the front line. 

“The front is in shock. Starlinks are gone, now they’re jamming Telegram too. How are we supposed to fight? With carrier pigeons?” one soldier wrote in a message circulating on pro-war channels, according to Kyiv Independent.