Amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed that nearly 40% of Russia’s primary oil refining capacity is currently “offline” following a series of Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure.
According to Zelensky, Ukrainian forces targeted 15 Russian oil refineries between January and May this year, significantly impacting Russia’s fuel production sector.
“Between January and May this year, our warriors struck 15 Russian oil refineries. Russia has already imposed bans on exports of aviation fuel and gasoline and is also considering a ban on diesel exports. As of May, nearly 40% of Russia’s primary oil refining capacity is offline,” Zelensky said.
The statement comes as Ukraine continues to expand its long-range drone campaign against strategic targets deep inside Russian territory, including energy facilities that support Moscow’s military operations.
Why Ukraine Is Attacking Russian Oil Refineries?
Ukraine has increasingly focused on Russian oil refineries as part of a broader strategy to weaken Moscow’s ability to finance and sustain its war effort.
Oil and petroleum exports remain among Russia’s most important sources of government revenue. By targeting refining facilities, Ukraine aims to disrupt fuel production, increase economic pressure, and complicate logistics for Russian military forces operating on the battlefield.
What Is Ukraine Planning Ahead?
Recent remarks from Zelensky suggest that Ukraine’s military leadership is focused on strengthening frontline combat capabilities while preparing for a prolonged conflict.
According to the Ukrainian president, military planners have been reviewing measures introduced during the second half of last year that were designed to improve frontline effectiveness. These measures include direct funding for combat brigades to procure equipment—particularly drones—more balanced personnel distribution to replenish frontline units, and expanded mobilization authority for military brigades.
Zelensky stated that approximately 160 military units are now receiving stable personnel reinforcements, allowing commanders to maintain defensive positions more effectively. He also said that the number of military units authorized to conduct mobilization activities has doubled.
In addition, Ukrainian authorities are working to expand supplies of long-range 155mm artillery shells, which military personnel have frequently requested. Zelensky indicated that officials are exploring additional financing, production, and procurement options to strengthen Ukraine’s artillery capabilities.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense is also reportedly implementing plans to supply additional pickup vehicles to frontline troops.
On the battlefield, Commander-in-Chief General Oleksandr Syrskyi recently briefed Ukraine’s leadership on conditions across key sectors of the front. Zelensky described Ukrainian positions as stable and emphasized that maintaining strong defenses would support future diplomatic initiatives.
Air defense remains another major priority. Ukrainian officials continue to seek additional anti-ballistic missile systems and interceptor missiles from Western partners as Russia maintains regular missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
Russia’s Version of Developments
Russian officials have generally downplayed the strategic impact of Ukrainian strikes on oil infrastructure, arguing that damaged facilities are repaired quickly and that fuel supplies remain sufficient.
Moscow has repeatedly stated that its military objectives in Ukraine remain unchanged and that attacks on Russian energy facilities will not alter the course of the conflict. Russian authorities have also accused Ukraine of targeting civilian and economic infrastructure in an attempt to create economic disruption.
The Kremlin maintains that Russian air defenses intercept the majority of Ukrainian long-range drones and missiles. While some refinery facilities have experienced temporary shutdowns following attacks, Russian officials have frequently emphasized that production losses are limited and manageable.
At the same time, Russia continues to conduct missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, targeting military, industrial, and energy-related infrastructure. Moscow argues that these operations are intended to degrade Ukraine’s military capabilities and reduce its ability to sustain combat operations.
As both sides intensify attacks on critical infrastructure, the energy sector has become an increasingly important front in a conflict that shows few signs of ending in the near future.
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