Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, energy infrastructure has emerged as a key strategic vulnerability. Russia relies heavily on oil and gas exports for state revenue, while Ukraine and its allies have sought ways to weaken Russia’s war economy without escalating full-scale confrontations.
The recent easing of sanctions on Russian oil, in response to global energy shortages caused by the Iran war, has made key Russian facilities a renewed target for Ukrainian forces. Disrupting production and exports not only reduces Moscow’s income but also increases global energy market uncertainty, which can shift geopolitical leverage.
Major Strikes on Refineries
Kirishi Refinery – One of Russia’s largest refineries, located in the northwest, halted operations following drone attacks that ignited fires in multiple areas.
Saratov Refinery – Operated by Rosneft, the refinery’s crude distillation unit has been shut since a drone strike on March 21. It processes around 5.8 million metric tons annually, about 2.2% of Russia’s total refining.
Ilsky Refinery – A southern export-oriented refinery experienced a fire from drone attacks on February 17. With a capacity of 6.6 million tons per year, it primarily serves export markets.
Volgograd Refinery – Owned by Lukoil, the primary oil processing unit CDU-1, representing 40% of capacity, was hit on February 11, leading to a full shutdown. This refinery processed 13.7 million tons in 2024.
Ukhta Refinery – Also under Lukoil, the CDU-1 unit caught fire on February 12 after a drone strike. The facility processed 3 million tons of oil in 2025.
Afipsky Refinery – Located in southern Russia and export-focused, it suffered a fire on January 21. Its 2024 output was 7.2 million metric tons.
Ports and Tankers Targeted
Ukrainian drone attacks have extended to ports and shipping infrastructure, hitting Baltic Sea hubs like Ust-Luga and Primorsk. Exports at these ports were temporarily suspended, and Primorsk has resumed loading at reduced capacity due to damaged infrastructure.
Pipeline operations have also been disrupted: Transneft cut crude intake by roughly 250,000 barrels per day following a drone attack on a major pumping station in late February. Additionally, two oil tankers in the Black Sea, including one chartered by Chevron, were struck while approaching Russian terminals.
Implications
At least 40% of Russia’s export capacity is estimated to be affected this week. The attacks could limit Russia’s ability to fund military operations, increase oil prices globally, and accelerate the search for alternative energy sources in Europe and Asia.
For Ukraine, these operations demonstrate a strategy of economic pressure rather than direct territorial confrontation. By focusing on energy infrastructure, Kyiv maximizes leverage over Moscow while keeping escalation at the tactical level.
Analysis: Targeting Revenue to Weaken War Effort
The strikes signal a shift in Ukraine’s approach: rather than only defending territory, it is systematically undermining Russia’s economic lifelines. Drones provide precision attacks at lower risk, targeting critical nodes like refineries, pipelines, ports, and tankers.
This approach amplifies the effects of international sanctions while maintaining plausible deniability for broader escalation. It also demonstrates that energy infrastructure, long viewed as a financial backbone, is increasingly a frontline in modern conflicts.
In short, Ukraine is weaponizing economics: hitting Russian energy reduces Moscow’s revenue, disrupts exports, and pressures global markets while keeping the military confrontation largely confined to infrastructure rather than cities.
Withvinformation from Reuters.
