Ukraine Claims Half of Russia’s Oil Refining Capacity Destroyed
Ukraine says missile strikes have crippled over half of Russia’s oil refining capacity, impacting its war efforts.
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Ukraine has claimed that its long-range missile strikes have neutralized more than half of Russia’s oil refining capacity, significantly hampering Moscow’s ability to supply its forces during the ongoing invasion. According to Ukraine’s Defense Ministry, recent strikes on refineries in cities such as Moscow, Yaroslavl, Ust-Luga, Perm, Saratov, and Syzran have left 51% of Russia’s oil refining capacity out of commission. The claim, however, has not been independently verified.
Warfare Intensifies as Front Line Stalls
Both Ukraine and Russia have escalated their aerial assaults as progress along the 1,200-kilometer front line has largely stalled. Ukrainian forces have repeatedly targeted refineries from Moscow to Siberia, sparking a widespread fuel crisis in Russia earlier this year. This led to restrictions on gasoline sales as authorities struggled to maintain fuel supplies.
Putin Acknowledges Economic Damage
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the damage to Russia’s oil infrastructure in a rare admission, stating that the strikes had cost the country roughly 1% of its GDP. He criticized Ukraine’s efforts to damage Russia’s economy, calling the strikes a partial success.
Ukraine’s Strategic Impact
Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara emphasized that the destruction of 51% of refining capacity is a significant blow to Russia’s economy and its ability to sustain the war. He stated that Ukrainian deep strikes continue to bring the conflict directly to Russian territory.
Global Fuel Supply and Quality Concerns
The International Energy Agency reported that diesel output in Russia has fallen by about 30%, with drivers facing waits of up to 40 hours to fill their tanks. Russian refiners have attempted to compensate by delaying maintenance and using mothballed units, but these measures have led to a decline in fuel quality, risking engine and pollution control damage.
International Reactions and Escalation
The Kremlin has also banned diesel exports, which has pushed global prices higher. U.S. President Donald Trump urged Ukraine to stop targeting refineries. Meanwhile, Russia has continued its attacks, including a guided aerial bomb strike in Kharkiv that killed at least three people and wounded 29 others, including children.
Source: Breitbart
