15 of Russia's 38 major oil refineries halted by long-range strikes
Oil refinery in Kstovo hit (photo: Russian media)
Ukraine's long-range strikes have knocked out a significant share of Russian oil refineries, inflicting billions of dollars in losses on Russia's economy, the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine reports.
As of late September 2026, 15 of Russia's 38 major oil refineries had shut down completely, while another 12 had significantly reduced production.
As a result, total refining volumes at these facilities fell by 55.4% compared with the beginning of the year.
The most difficult situation for Russia has developed in the Volga, Central, and Southern Federal Districts. Shutdowns or production restrictions have affected major facilities, including Slavneft-YANOS, Kirishineftegazsintez, Ryazan Refinery, Gazpromneft-Moscow Refinery, and Lukoil-Permnefteorgsintez.
Together, these facilities account for about 33% of Russia's total oil refining capacity.
Kremlin tries to contain crisis
Meanwhile, refineries in Russia's remote regions continue to operate, including the Omsk, Achinsk, Khabarovsk, and Mariysky refineries. In September 2026, they processed 906,000 barrels per day, up 147,000 barrels from the beginning of the year, accounting for approximately 24% of the country's total refining output.
However, geography severely limits the potential for such substitution. Delivering petroleum products has become harder because of shortages of railway rolling stock and tanker trucks.
In addition, production at these refineries could decline in 2027 as scheduled maintenance is postponed until then.
Losses, concealed statistics
The severity of the crisis is reflected in Russian President Vladimir Putin's September 28 Decree No. 686, which restricted access to information on oil refining volumes. This makes independent monitoring impossible and creates opportunities to manipulate fuel production data for purchasing countries.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, strikes by Ukraine's Defense Forces have inflicted more than $23.2 billion in losses on Russia's oil industry, nearly matching the sector's total revenue in 2025 ($26.6 billion).
Meanwhile, international sanctions and the high cost of equipment could make replacing damaged components cost more than $20 billion.
Despite attempts to redistribute production loads, Russia has lost the ability to fully meet its domestic fuel needs and fulfill its export commitments.
Earlier, a local oil refinery in Ryazan, Russia, was likely targeted in a drone attack. A fire broke out at the facility following the strike.
In addition, drones attacked the Yaroslavl oil refinery overnight on November 3. It is one of Russia's five largest refineries and supplies fuel to Russian military aircraft and equipment, among other customers.
