Ukraine Says It Hit Russian Oil Rig, Patrol Ship in Caspian Sea

Ukraine said its drones struck a Russian oil rig belonging to Lukoil in the Caspian Sea, as well as a military patrol ship near the facility, as Kyiv steps up attacks on Moscow’s oil infrastructure, Yuliia Dysa reported for Reuters.

Ukraine has attacked Russian oil refineries throughout 2024 and 2025. (Photo: Militarnyi)

The attack, which Ukraine’s General Staff said took place on Friday, was one of a string of strikes targeting Russian drilling infrastructure in the Caspian Sea in recent weeks, but the first officially acknowledged by the Ukrainian military.

A drilling platform at the Filanovsky oil field was damaged in the attack, according to the General Staff.

The rig came under drone attacks at least two more times in December.

Ukraine says Russian oil infrastructure is a legitimate target because revenue from the trade is a main source of financing for Russia’s nearly four-year-old war against the country.

The General Staff added that a military patrol ship was also targeted in the strike, and that the extent of the damage was still being assessed.

Ukraine has attacked Russian oil refineries throughout 2024 and 2025, but has widened its campaign in recent weeks, claiming responsibility for sea-drone attacks on Russian “shadow fleet” tankers in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.