EXCLUSIVE: Recent Ukrainian attacks have reduced Russia's oil processing capacity by 30%, sources say

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1. 18m ago

   Ukrainian drone strikes cut Russian oil refining capacity by 30%, sources say

   Ukrainian drone attacks over the past week have hit at least six Russian oil facilities, including the Kirishi refinery, Russia's second-largest, and the Ust-Luga Baltic export terminal. Reuters reports, citing sources, that the campaign has taken roughly 30% of the country's crude processing capacity offline. Rosneft has capped gasoline sales on its domestic exchange, and the government has imposed fuel rationing to manage shortages. Moscow claims it intercepted 146 drones over the Leningrad region alone, but fires at Kirishi and Ust-Luga burned for hours. One woman was killed by debris at Kirishi.

   Why it matters

   Russia's refining sector is a critical revenue source for the war effort and a key supplier of domestic fuel. Systematic Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russian territory aim to degrade both export earnings and front-line logistics. The 30% disruption figure, if sustained, would represent the most significant blow to Russian energy infrastructure since the invasion began.

   What is confirmed

   • Ukrainian drones have struck at least six Russian oil facilities in the past week.
   • The Kirishi refinery, Russia's second-largest, was hit and caught fire.
   • The Ust-Luga Baltic Sea oil export terminal was attacked and caught fire.
   • Reuters sources say recent attacks have reduced Russia's oil processing capacity by about 30%.
   • Rosneft has capped gasoline sales on the Russian exchange.
   • Russian authorities have imposed fuel rationing in response to the strikes.
   • One woman was killed by debris at the Kirishi refinery.
   • Russia claims to have intercepted 146 drones over the Leningrad region.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The 30% capacity reduction figure may be temporary if repairs proceed quickly.
   • Ukrainian strikes may expand to other energy infrastructure beyond refineries and export terminals.

   What to watch next

   • Whether Russian refineries can restore throughput in the coming weeks
   • If fuel rationing spreads to major population centers
   • Ukrainian drone production and reach for sustained deep-strike campaigns
   Sources used for this update (27)

   1. Bloomberg.com — Kyiv Hits Sixth Russian Oil Plant in a Week as Campaign Picks Up
   2. The Kyiv Independent — Ukrainian forces reportedly strike Russia's second-largest oil refinery in overnight drone attack
   3. ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation — Ukrainian drone attack sets Russia's Kirishi refinery ablaze, woman killed by debris
   4. Financial Times — Russia caps petrol sales after wave of Ukrainian strikes on refineries
   5. Euronews.com — Ukraine hits Russia’s second-largest refinery, Rosneft caps sales
   6. Semafor — Russia rations fuel as Ukraine resumes strikes on refineries
   7. Reuters — EXCLUSIVE: Recent Ukrainian attacks have reduced Russia's oil processing capacity by 30%, sources say
   8. The Kyiv Independent — Russia imposes gasoline sales restrictions amid Ukrainian oil refinery attacks, Russian media report
   9. The Daily Beast — Putin Humiliated as Staggering Blow Is Exposed
   10. Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com — Ukrainian Strikes Disrupt 30% of Russia's Oil Refining Capacity
   11. UNITED24 Media — Russia’s Oil Industry Is Feeling the Heat as Ukrainian Drones Hit Refineries Accounting for Nearly 30% of Capacity
   12. Yahoo — Ukrainian Strikes Keep Disrupting Russian Refineries. Moscow's Oil Refining Capacity is Reportedly Down 30%.
   confidence 88%