Record wave of Ukrainian strikes hits Russian oil infrastructure, Bloomberg says
Photo: Tuapse oil refinery, drone attack (Russian media)
In April, the number of Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s oil infrastructure reached its highest level since December. This has pushed oil refining down to a multi-year low, Bloomberg reports.
Scale of the strikes
According to the outlet, at least 21 strikes were carried out in April against Russian oil refineries, maritime facilities, and pipeline infrastructure.
The goal of these strikes is to reduce the revenues Moscow earns from global oil markets.
Situation at refineries
Ukraine has returned to a strategy of repeated strikes on specific oil refineries. This approach maximizes damage and prevents rapid repairs.
In particular, operations at the large Tuapse refinery were halted after three strikes over the past two weeks.
Massive fires at the facility triggered an environmental crisis. Local authorities were forced to deal with oil spills and toxic emissions into the air.
Pipeline strikes
Ukraine has also intensified attacks on Russia’s pipeline network. At least five pumping stations deep inside Russian territory were hit in April.
However, Russia’s pipeline network has proven resilient, allowing oil flows to be rerouted from damaged facilities. As a result, these strikes have not yet had a lasting impact on domestic supplies.
Ukraine's long-range strikes
Strikes on Russia’s oil infrastructure are part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to reduce the windfall revenues Moscow receives from energy exports.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently highlighted critical losses at Russia’s oil ports, noting that both Ukrainian strikes and "long-range sanctions" are significantly cutting the enemy’s exports.
In recent days, the intensity of attacks on remote facilities has increased. Ukrainian drones, in particular, struck one of Russia’s largest refineries located more than 1,500 kilometers from Ukraine’s border.
Fires at the site have been burning for an extended period, producing heavy smoke and prompting evacuations.
New satellite images have also emerged showing the aftermath of a third strike this month on the Tuapse refinery, revealing significant damage to the facility’s infrastructure.
