A teenage boy from Bashkortostan has been apprehended on suspicion of aiding Ukraine in targeting a major oil refinery in Ryazan, as reported by RIA Novosti, citing law enforcement sources.
The attacks on Russian oil refineries are part of Ukraine’s ongoing strategy to disrupt Russian supply lines and logistics that support their occupation forces. This escalated significantly in early 2025, with Ukraine launching long-range drone attacks on Russian fuel facilities, including oil depots and refineries.
In a shocking turn of events, video footage of the teenager’s interrogation has surfaced. The young suspect revealed that he had been searching for part-time work in online chat rooms last fall when he was approached and recruited by Ukrainian handlers.
“During the New Year holidays, they asked me to photograph the Ryazan oil refinery and provide details about its communication towers, security posts, and air defense on a map,” the teenager confessed during questioning.
The boy admitted to sending “five to seven photographs” to the handlers and receiving approximately 65,000 rubles as payment for his services. He also disclosed that he had refused to photograph copper-zinc deposits in Bashkortostan and had suggested delegating some tasks to others he could recruit. Shockingly, his handlers then requested that he find someone willing to set fire to a locomotive.
“I don’t know what happened after that because the next day, I was taken into custody by law enforcement,” the teenager recounted to investigators, as per RIA Novosti.
Authorities have initiated a criminal case against the teenager, charging him with terrorism and treason. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison for his involvement in these activities.
Ukrainian Drone Attacks
The Ryazan oil refinery was struck by drones for the third time this year on 24 February, further intensifying tensions between Ukraine and Russia. The Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff confirmed the two most recent attacks, emphasizing that the refinery plays a crucial role in supplying Russian troops.
International Ramifications
The implications of these attacks extend beyond the borders of Russia and Ukraine, impacting global geopolitics and energy security. The deliberate targeting of oil refineries not only disrupts vital supply chains but also raises concerns about the escalation of conflict in the region.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to asymmetric warfare tactics, such as drone strikes. As nations grapple with the evolving nature of warfare in the digital age, the need for robust security measures and international cooperation becomes increasingly apparent.
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