KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine’s Defense Ministry stated on Sunday that a series of long-range strikes against Russian oil refineries has disabled 51% of Moscow’s refining capacity. The attacks, which targeted facilities in cities including Moscow, Yaroslavl, Ust-Luga, Perm, Saratov, and Syzran, were described as a major setback for Russia’s ability to fuel its military operations during the ongoing invasion.
While the claim could not be independently verified, Ukrainian officials emphasized that the disruption is severely hampering Russia’s logistical supply chain. The intensified aerial campaigns come as progress along the 1,200-kilometer (750-mile) frontline has largely stalled.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara highlighted that analysts from Ukraine’s intelligence services, the General Staff, and the Defense Ministry assessed the impact of the strikes. “Fifty-one percent of struck refining capacity is a significant blow to the enemy’s economy, to its ability to carry out aggression and supply its troop groupings,” Khmara said, adding that deep strikes continue to bring the war directly to Russian territory.
The strikes have previously caused a widespread fuel crisis in Russia earlier this year, forcing authorities to impose gasoline sales restrictions. President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the economic toll of the attacks in a rare admission on Thursday at the Valdai Club international forum. He noted that Russia had lost approximately 1% of its gross domestic product due to the assaults on its energy infrastructure.
“They started attacking oil refineries and openly declared the goal of damaging our economy. Did they achieve their goal? Partially,” Putin said. Both Kyiv and Moscow have ramped up aerial bombardments as the 4 1/2-year-old war enters a protracted phase with limited territorial gains.
Stalemate on the front, but an asymmetric war on the home front. Smart strategy to target the economic arteries instead of just trenches.
This explains the gas shortages I saw earlier this year. The ripple effects are hitting regular Russians hard, not just the military.
I’m skeptical. Kyiv often inflates these numbers for morale. Let’s wait for independent verification from OSINT groups before celebrating a strategic win.
Putin admitted it publicly too. You don’t claim victory if you haven’t hurt the enemy. The 1% GDP hit speaks volumes about the real damage.
If true, this changes everything. Russia’s logistics were already strained, and cutting half the refining capacity is devastating for their war machine.