August M
Ukraine’s long-range drone campaign is increasingly targeting the foundations of Russia’s energy economy, with strikes hitting refineries, export terminals and fuel infrastructure far from the battlefield.
Money.pl reported that Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s oil network have already contributed to an estimated $7 billion in losses this year, as Kyiv intensifies efforts to disrupt Moscow’s export revenues.
Energy targets hit
According to Money.pl, Ukrainian operations have focused on transmission systems, oil ports, pumping stations and refineries linked to Russia’s fuel exports.
Energy security expert Dr. Przemysław Zaleski told the outlet: “This is Ukraine’s main goal: to cut off Russia from oil re-exports and fuel sales.”
He added: “It hurts Russia the most.”
Money.pl reported that Ukraine’s strategy has increasingly shifted toward crippling logistics and export infrastructure rather than solely targeting military facilities.
Deep inside Russia
Former Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu recently warned that “No region of Russia is safe from Ukrainian attacks anymore,” according to the report.
Ukraine has since carried out strikes deep inside Russian territory, including attacks on the Transneft pipeline network in Perm and the Permnefteorgsintez refinery owned by Lukoil.
Major Robert Browdi, commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, told the BBC: “1,500-2,000 km deep into Russian territory is no longer a quiet rear.”
Ports under pressure
Money.pl reported that Ukrainian drones targeted at least 14 Russian fuel-sector facilities in April alone, including refineries and oil terminals tied to export operations.
The report highlighted repeated strikes on the key port of Tuapse on the black Sea, where Rosneft operates one of Russia’s largest refineries.
Ukraine’s General Staff claimed attacks carried out in April and early May caused more than $300 million in damage to infrastructure around Tuapse.
Oil prices cushion losses
Despite the attacks, Russia has continued benefiting from rising global oil prices, which analysts say have helped soften the economic blow.
Dr. Zaleski told Money.pl that the easing of restrictions on Russian oil exports had allowed Moscow to recover part of its losses.
The report said Russian Urals crude rose sharply in price this year, with estimates suggesting oil revenues are still contributing billions of dollars each month to the Kremlin’s budget.
At the same time, economists cited by Money.pl warned that inflation, slowing growth and a widening budget deficit continue to expose deeper weaknesses in Russia’s economy.
Sources: Money.pl, BBC.
