Russia-Ukraine War: Missile and Drone Attacks Intensify

Russia and Ukraine have intensified long-range attacks against each other’s territory, with Russian missile and drone strikes hitting Ukrainian cities while Ukrainian forces continue targeting Russian oil refineries and other infrastructure.

The latest escalation has come alongside increasing pressure on energy markets, new Western sanctions measures and continuing efforts to establish limits on attacks against critical infrastructure.

The developments underline how the war is increasingly extending beyond frontline positions, with energy facilities, transport infrastructure and military installations becoming important targets.

Russian attacks hit Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities

Russia launched a wave of missiles and drones against Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities overnight on September 17, according to Ukrainian officials cited by Reuters.

More than 20 people were injured in the overnight strikes, while Poland scrambled military aircraft after a separate Russian attack in western Ukraine.

The attacks followed a series of increasingly frequent Russian aerial operations.

Associated Press reporting has also described a change in the pattern of attacks around Kyiv, with Russian drones and missiles increasingly appearing during daylight hours as well as at night.

That has disrupted commuting, shopping, school activities and other aspects of daily life in the Ukrainian capital.

Russia is changing its missile tactics

One of the most significant developments is Russia’s reported use of modified training missiles in combat.

Reuters reported on September 18 that Russia has been repurposing RM48U training missiles for attacks against Ukraine.

More than half of the 228 ballistic and hypersonic missiles launched by Russia during July and early August were reportedly RM48Us, according to the investigation.

The missiles were originally designed for air-defence training rather than frontline combat. Their use allows Russia to conserve some of its more sophisticated strike weapons while continuing to launch large numbers of ballistic missiles.

The trade-off is that the modified missiles are less accurate.

Reuters linked one attack in Brovary, near Kyiv, to the deaths of eight civilians at a railway station. The report said the less precise missile was used in that strike.

Ukraine’s air defences face pressure

The sustained missile campaign is also placing pressure on Ukraine’s air-defence system.

Ukraine has relied heavily on Western-supplied systems, including US-made Patriot interceptors, to defend major cities and critical infrastructure.

Reuters reported that Ukraine’s supplies of Patriot interceptors are becoming increasingly limited, while deliveries have been affected by competing demand from other countries.

This creates a difficult calculation for Ukrainian commanders.

Every interceptor used against an incoming missile can protect civilians and infrastructure, but stocks must also be managed against the possibility of future attacks.

Russia’s reported use of less expensive or less sophisticated missiles can therefore create an additional burden if Ukraine must use scarce defensive weapons to intercept them.

Ukraine continues attacks inside Russia

Ukraine has also intensified its long-range attacks.

Ukrainian drones have targeted Russian oil refineries and other infrastructure as Kyiv attempts to disrupt fuel production and military logistics.

Reuters reported that the Yaroslavl oil refinery stopped crude processing after a Ukrainian drone attack damaged equipment at the facility. Four industry sources told Reuters that the refinery halted processing on September 17.

Russia’s regional governor said the area had repelled a major drone raid.

The refinery is one of several Russian facilities affected by Ukrainian attacks in recent weeks.

More Russian refineries affected

Two other Russian oil refineries, in Syzran and Saratov, also stopped processing following Ukrainian drone attacks earlier in September, according to Reuters.

Industry sources told the news agency that repairs could take at least a month.

The shutdowns are contributing to pressure on Russia’s domestic fuel supply, adding another economic dimension to Ukraine’s strategy of targeting energy infrastructure.

Ukraine has described its attacks on Russian energy infrastructure as part of its effort to reduce Moscow’s ability to finance and sustain the war.

Russia has condemned such attacks and continued its own strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure.

Energy has become a major part of the conflict

The attacks on refineries are occurring as global fuel markets are already under pressure.

Russia is an important producer and exporter of refined petroleum products, so prolonged disruptions to its refining capacity can affect the availability of diesel and other fuels.

Reuters reported that global diesel supplies have come under severe pressure in 2026 as war-related damage and sanctions have disrupted refining capacity in several regions.

The effect is not limited to Russia and Ukraine.

Diesel is widely used by trucks, agricultural machinery, ships and industrial equipment. Higher prices can therefore raise transportation and production costs in countries far removed from the battlefield.

Trump has called for a halt to energy strikes

US President Donald Trump has called on Ukraine to stop attacking Russian oil refineries and other infrastructure used to produce and distribute diesel.

Trump said the attacks were contributing to a global diesel shortage.

The Kremlin welcomed Trump’s call, although Russian officials have continued to accuse Ukraine of attacks on Russian territory.

The issue has become particularly sensitive because the conflict is taking place alongside disruptions in Middle Eastern energy supplies.

Reuters reported that an energy-infrastructure truce previously brokered by Trump could reduce one source of pressure on the global diesel market, although it would not by itself resolve the wider supply shortage.

Ukraine says it can pause some strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said earlier this week that Ukraine would be prepared to pause strikes on Russian territory if its allies could secure a credible Russian commitment not to attack Ukrainian critical infrastructure.

That proposal would effectively link restrictions on Ukrainian attacks with reciprocal limits on Russian attacks against Ukrainian infrastructure.

There has been no indication that such a comprehensive arrangement has been implemented.

The continuing attacks suggest that both sides remain focused on military pressure while diplomatic efforts continue.

New US sanctions legislation targets Russia

The military escalation is also taking place alongside additional economic pressure from Washington.

The US House of Representatives passed a broad Russia sanctions bill on September 16 by 262 votes to 159.

The legislation includes measures targeting Russian officials, financial institutions and energy-related shipping, as well as provisions that could allow tariffs of up to 100% on countries importing Russian energy under specified circumstances. The bill was awaiting President Trump’s action after passing the House.

Ukraine has supported stronger economic pressure on Russia.

The Kremlin has criticised the legislation, saying such measures could complicate efforts toward a negotiated settlement.

The practical impact of the measures will depend on implementation, enforcement and the response of countries that continue trading with Russia.

Ukraine receives new EU financial support

Ukraine is also receiving continued financial assistance from European partners.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi said on September 18 that Ukraine had received a €3.3 billion tranche under the European Union’s Ukraine Support Loan.

According to Reuters, the funds are intended for critical defence needs, including the acquisition of missiles and drones.

The assistance comes as Ukraine attempts to maintain its air-defence and long-range strike capabilities while Russia increases its missile production and attack tempo.

The conflict is also affecting Russia’s economy

The continuing attacks are putting pressure on Russia’s domestic economy as well.

Associated Press reported that Russia’s wartime economy has remained stable in some areas but is showing longer-term strains linked to high military spending, declining reserve funds, labour shortages and disruption to fuel supplies.

The Russian government has increased taxes and borrowing while defence-related industries continue to support employment in some regions.

The economic effects are uneven.

Military production can support particular industries and regions, while higher energy costs, labour shortages and disruptions to civilian businesses can create pressure elsewhere.

The extent of the longer-term impact will depend partly on the duration of the war and the level of sanctions and energy revenues.

Concerns extend beyond Ukraine and Russia

The increasing use of long-range drones has also raised concerns in neighbouring European countries.

A Russian-made Gerbera drone was shot down in Lithuania by an Italian NATO fighter jet on September 16, according to Reuters.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said the drone was likely intended for Ukraine but may have been diverted by Ukrainian electronic warfare. Lithuanian authorities were examining its electronics to establish its route and intended destination.

Polish authorities have also dealt with a Russian-made drone carrying a warhead that was found on a Baltic Sea beach.

These incidents do not establish that Russia deliberately targeted NATO territory, but they illustrate the risk that increasingly extensive drone operations could create incidents outside Ukraine.

What happens next?

Several developments will shape the next phase of the conflict.

One is Russia’s ability to maintain the pace of its missile and drone campaign. The reported use of modified training missiles suggests Moscow is adapting its weapons mix as it seeks to sustain pressure on Ukrainian infrastructure.

Another is Ukraine’s ability to replenish air-defence interceptors and maintain its own long-range strike campaign.

Energy infrastructure will remain another important factor.

Russian refinery outages could increase domestic fuel pressure and affect international diesel markets, while attacks on Ukrainian energy and transport infrastructure could create additional problems for Ukraine’s economy and civilian population.

Diplomatic efforts will also remain relevant, particularly proposals involving reciprocal limits on attacks against critical infrastructure.

For now, however, the latest evidence points to continued military escalation rather than a sustained reduction in attacks.

The war remains centred on Ukraine, but its effects are increasingly visible in fuel markets, defence supply chains, European security and the wider global economy.