Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian forces struck 15 Russian oil refineries between January and May 2026, leading to nearly 40% of Russia’s primary oil refining capacity being offline as of May. This strategic campaign has prompted Russia to impose bans on exports of aviation fuel and gasoline, with consideration for a diesel export ban. The statement, made by Zelenskyy on social media, highlights a significant disruption to Russia's energy infrastructure amidst ongoing conflict.
"Between January and May this year, our warriors struck 15 Russian oil refineries," Zelenskyy stated in the tweet. "As of May, nearly 40% of Russia’s primary oil refining capacity is offline." These coordinated drone attacks targeted key facilities across Russia, aiming to cripple the country's ability to process crude oil into refined products essential for its military and economy.
Reports from various sources indicate that these strikes have indeed caused substantial damage, forcing some refineries to halt operations or significantly reduce output. While the precise percentage of offline capacity varies across different assessments, with some analyses suggesting figures between 14% and 20% of primary capacity at various points, the consensus points to a considerable impact on Russia's refining capabilities. Russia has reportedly initiated efforts to repair the damaged facilities, facing challenges in sourcing necessary equipment and expertise.
In response to the disruptions, Russia has taken measures to stabilize its domestic fuel market. "Russia has already imposed bans on exports of aviation fuel and gasoline, and is also considering a ban on diesel exports," Zelenskyy noted. These temporary restrictions underscore the severity of the damage inflicted by the Ukrainian operations and their direct economic consequences for Russia, potentially affecting its revenue streams from energy exports and impacting global energy markets.
Analysts suggest that the sustained attacks could have long-term implications for Russia's energy sector and its ability to fund military operations. The need for extensive repairs and the potential for ongoing strikes pose significant challenges to restoring full refining capacity. This situation highlights Ukraine's strategy to degrade Russia's economic and logistical support for its military efforts by targeting critical infrastructure.
