Ukraine's Strikes Severely Impact Russia's Oil Refining Capacity

Significant Damage to Russian Oil Infrastructure

Kyiv: Ukraine has reported that its long-range missile strikes have effectively incapacitated over half of Russia's oil refining capabilities, significantly hindering Moscow's supply lines during the ongoing invasion that has lasted for over 12 years.

According to the Defence Ministry, recent attacks on refineries located in cities such as Moscow, Yaroslavl, Ust-Luga, Perm, Saratov, and Syzran have rendered 51% of Russia's oil refining capacity inoperative. However, this assertion has not been independently verified.

Both Ukrainian and Russian forces have escalated their aerial operations as advancements along the extensive 1,200-kilometre front line have largely stalled.

Ukrainian military units have consistently targeted refineries from Moscow to Siberia, leading to a significant fuel shortage in Russia earlier this year, which compelled the government to impose restrictions on gasoline sales.

In a rare acknowledgment, President Vladimir Putin stated on Thursday that these strikes have resulted in a loss of approximately 1% of Russia's gross domestic product.

They initiated attacks on oil refineries and explicitly stated their intention to harm our economy. Did they succeed? Partially, Putin remarked during a meeting at the Valdai Club, a forum for international foreign policy experts.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara indicated that assessments from Ukraine's intelligence services, the General Staff, and the Defence Ministry have evaluated the impact of these strikes.

The loss of 51% of the targeted refining capacity represents a substantial blow to the enemy's economy and its ability to sustain military operations and supply its troops. Our deep strikes continue to extend the conflict into Russian territory, he stated.