Ukraine’s Strikes Knock Out 40% of Russia’s Oil Refining Capacity

Since the full-scale invasion began, Ukraine has targeted key elements of Russia’s oil network. By April 2026, repeated drone and missile attacks had disabled nearly 160 production, refining, and pumping sites. At various peaks in 2025 and early 2026, these operations removed about 40% of Russia’s total refining and export capacity. In March 2026 alone, Ukraine struck 10 major plants, including the strategic Kirishi and Yaroslavl refineries. This so-called “kinetic sanctions” campaign aims to drain Russia’s defense budget by cutting oil revenues. It has also triggered localized fuel shortages, forced export bans, and disrupted repair supply chains by blocking access to Western spare parts. According to reporting by the Moscow Times, more than a third of Russia’s core refining infrastructure was offline as of late 2025. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s growing drone production continues to support front-line advances and industrial resilience.

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