Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
Russian military bloggers are slamming the Kremlin for not sufficiantly protecting the energy infrastructure.
Russian military bloggers are slamming the Kremlin for not sufficiantly protecting the energy infrastructure.
What is happening?
Ukrainian forces have stepped up a strategic bombing campaign against Russian oil refineries, reaching deep into Russian territory.
The strikes mark a significant escalation in Ukraine’s ability to target critical infrastructure far behind the front lines, shifting the pressure to Russia’s domestic energy industry.
Putin admits strikes are happening
Speaking on October 7, Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged Ukraine’s attacks on oil facilities but played down their importance.
“It will not help,” he said, referring to Ukraine’s goals.
He insisted Russia’s main concern remains the safety of civilians and strategic energy assets.
Gasoline shortages spread
The refinery attacks have worsened existing gasoline shortages. Stations across parts of Russia and occupied Ukrainian regions are reportedly struggling to keep up with demand.
The effect has been particularly severe in more remote areas, where fuel delivery is slower and more vulnerable to disruption.
Prices at the pump skyrocket amid supply squeeze
With refineries offline or damaged, gasoline prices have surged. Consumers in both Russia and occupied Ukraine are paying significantly more at the pump.
Analysts say the strike campaign is having a real-time effect on Russia’s domestic economy, forcing ordinary Russians to bear the brunt.
Belarus ramps up emergency fuel exports to Russia
To cope with the fuel shortfall, Russia is now leaning on neighboring Belarus.
According to Reuters, Belarus increased its gasoline exports to Russia by four times in September 2025, shipping 49,000 metric tons of gasoline and 33,000 tons of diesel by rail to help stabilize the market.
Russian military blogger blasts Kremlin’s weak response
On October 8, a Kremlin-linked military blogger voiced frustration over Russia’s failure to protect key energy infrastructure, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
He accused authorities of leaving vital oil processing facilities exposed and unprepared for long-range Ukrainian attacks, calling for immediate improvements to refinery defenses.
Ukraine aims for the “heart” of Russia’s oil industry
The blogger revealed that Ukrainian forces are precisely targeting the ELOU-AVT units in Russian refineries — the systems responsible for crude oil separation.
Damaging these core components can effectively paralyze a refinery’s operations, delivering maximum economic disruption with relatively few strikes.
Ukrainian missiles now reach 2,000 kilometers into Russia
Ukraine’s ability to strike oil facilities up to 2,000 kilometers inside Russia marks a significant leap in its offensive reach.
Previously considered out of range, these deep-strike capabilities now pose a new kind of threat to Russia’s rear-area infrastructure, once thought to be safely out of harm’s way.
Growing concern over energy funding for Russia’s war effort
The Russian blogger highlighted that energy revenues are critical to financing the war in Ukraine.
As oil exports fuel the Kremlin’s military spending, every successful Ukrainian strike on refinery infrastructure puts financial pressure on the Russian government — both domestically and internationally.
Authorities accused of passing responsibility to private firms
One of the most damning criticisms leveled by the blogger was the suggestion that Russian officials are trying to offload responsibility for refinery protection onto private businesses.
This tactic, he argued, leaves vital national infrastructure at risk and reflects a lack of cohesive national planning.
Bloggers slam lack of hardened infrastructure
Russian military bloggers have long complained about the vulnerability of key facilities to aerial and drone attacks.
Despite repeated strikes over the past year, they say the Kremlin has failed to build protective structures or implement adequate defensive systems for refineries and power plants.
Ukraine’s campaign signals a shift in the energy war
This targeted strategy reveals Ukraine’s intention to hit Russia where it hurts: its energy sector. By disrupting oil processing and fuel supplies,
Ukraine not only strains the Russian economy but also directly undermines its war effort. As winter approaches, this energy war is only set to intensify.
This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, which may have used AI in the preparation
