Ukraine has ramped up its attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure, targeting refineries, export terminals, and key oil facilities even as Moscow benefits from higher crude prices and some easing of sanctions. Over the past week, Ukrainian forces have launched a series of drone strikes, including one early Saturday against a large refinery in Yaroslavl, northeast of Moscow, causing a fire and damage to nearby residential and commercial buildings.
The Ukrainian military claims to have carried out ten major attacks on Russian energy sites so far this month, some deep inside Russian territory. Ports along the Baltic coast, including Ust-Luga and Primorsk, have also been hit, with fires at both terminals still visible days later. Satellite imagery shows significant damage to oil-loading stands and tank farms, while Ukraine says the strikes have reduced Russia’s operational capacity at key facilities by about 40%.
President Volodymyr Zelensky told CNN that Ukraine’s long-range drones have become more effective and that the strikes are a direct response to Russian attacks on Ukraine’s power infrastructure, which have caused widespread electricity outages. Zelensky also criticized the partial lifting of U.S. sanctions on Russian crude, warning that intelligence sharing may be assisting Russia in targeting Ukrainian sites.
Despite the attacks, Russia continues to profit from global energy markets. The country’s crude now commands a premium in some cases, bolstered by rising global prices and the suspension of certain U.S. sanctions. Oil revenues remain critical to the Russian state budget, accounting for roughly a third of government income, and may have doubled over the past month.
In response to both the strikes and high domestic demand, Russia is reportedly considering reinstating a ban on gasoline exports, a measure last used in September 2025. Analysts say the combination of Ukraine’s targeted attacks and Russia’s economic maneuvers highlights the growing strategic importance of energy infrastructure in the ongoing conflict.
The campaign underscores the high stakes on both sides: Ukraine is attempting to cripple one of Russia’s main revenue streams, while Moscow leverages rising oil prices and partial sanctions relief to sustain its economy and military operations.#newsafro_
