A large-scale campaign of long-range strikes by the Ukrainian Defense Forces has led to the deepest fuel crisis in Russia in recent decades. The consequences of the attacks are felt not only in supply disruptions but also in the long-term reduction of the country's production capacity.

Paralysis of Oil Infrastructure

An analysis of data from S&P Global Energy and satellite imagery has revealed a critical situation at Russian oil refineries. Journalists and experts note that repair work on damaged facilities is progressing extremely slowly. This means that the consequences of deep strikes are felt for weeks and even months.

At the time of the analysis, a number of strategically important enterprises were not processing oil at all. The list of plants that have stopped operations includes facilities in:

  • Kirishi;
  • Tuapse;
  • Samara;
  • Syzran.

Long-term Consequences and Technological Breakthrough

Experts warn that even after operations resume, it will take more than a year for enterprises to return to their previous level of productivity. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that Russian anti-drone defense systems are unable to effectively repel mass attacks.

Statistics confirm a sharp escalation in activity. Since the beginning of 2026, Russian refineries have been hit by Ukrainian forces at least 194 times. This is 11 times more than during the same period last year.

Stefan Meister, head of the Eurasia program at the German Council on Foreign Relations, explains these successes as a technological breakthrough by Kyiv: 'Ukraine has made a technological breakthrough that has allowed it to significantly increase the production of long-range drones and organize their mass production'.

New Targets and Strikes on Industry Leaders

Recently, strikes have been carried out on objects previously considered out of reach. Recently, the Defense Forces attacked one of the largest oil refineries in Russia. According to RBC-Ukraine, the plant hit is among the top 5 largest in the aggressor country.

Parallel to attacks on energy infrastructure, attention is also drawn to strikes on logistics giants. In particular, it has become known why Ukraine actually began striking Wildberries infrastructure, which indicates an expansion of the range of targets for long-range drones.