Kyiv Claims Long-Range Strikes Have Disrupted Over Half of Russian Oil Refining

KYIV — Ukraine has asserted that its long-range missile campaigns have disabled over half of Russia’s oil refining infrastructure, significantly complicating Moscow’s logistics for its ongoing war effort.

The Ukrainian Defense Ministry reported Sunday that recent attacks targeting refineries across multiple regions, including those near Moscow, Yaroslavl, Ust-Luga, Perm, Saratov, and Syzran, have taken 51% of the country’s refining capacity offline. Kyiv noted the figure could not be independently verified.

The strikes underscore a surge in aerial bombardment from both sides, as territorial advances along the 1,200-kilometer (750-mile) frontline have largely stalled.

Kyiv has persistently targeted refineries stretching from the capital to Siberia, a campaign that earlier this year triggered a nationwide fuel shortage severe enough to compel Russian officials to limit gasoline sales.

President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the damage in a rare concession on Thursday, stating the campaign had cost Russia approximately 1% of its gross domestic product.

“They started attacking oil refineries and openly declared the goal of damaging our economy. Did they achieve their goal? Partially,” Putin told attendees of the Valdai Club international foreign policy forum.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara stated that assessments were conducted jointly by intelligence services, the General Staff, and the Defense Ministry.

“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. Our deep strikes continue to bring the war to Russian territory,” Khmara said.

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