Politics · India Bureau
Ukraine Says Strikes Have Crippled Over Half of Russia's Oil Refining
Ukraine's Defence Ministry claimed Sunday that sustained long-range attacks have neutralised 51% of Russia's oil refining capacity, potentially undermining Moscow's ability to sustain military operations in its nearly five-year-old invasion. The assertion, which could not be independently verified, comes as both nations intensify aerial campaigns along a largely static front line.
LSN India ·
Ukrainian forces have targeted major refineries across Russia in recent weeks, including facilities in Moscow, Yaroslavl, Ust-Luga, Perm, Saratov and Syzran, according to the Defence Ministry's statement. The coordinated strikes aim to disrupt fuel supplies critical to Russia's military logistics and broader economy.
The campaign has previously triggered acute fuel shortages across Russia, prompting authorities to impose restrictions on petrol sales and spark widespread concern among civilians and industry. President Vladimir Putin acknowledged Thursday that the refinery attacks have inflicted significant economic damage, estimating the strikes have cost Russia approximately 1% of gross domestic product.
As conventional warfare along the 1,200-kilometre front line has stalled, both Kyiv and Moscow have increasingly relied on aerial assaults to inflict damage on each other's infrastructure and military capabilities. Ukraine's targeting of energy facilities represents a strategic effort to constrain Russian military mobility and weaken economic output, while Russian forces continue strikes on Ukrainian cities and power infrastructure.
The intensity of aerial operations reflects the protracted nature of the conflict, with both sides seeking advantage through attrition rather than territorial advances. Ukraine's claims regarding refinery capacity remain unconfirmed by independent international sources.