Russia's economy takes a hit: Zelenskyy shares impact of Ukraine's deep strikes
Photo: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (president.gov.ua)
Strikes by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on oil refining facilities deep inside Russia have significantly affected Russia's economy. Due to these attacks, Russia has lost over 20% of its oil refining capacity and up to 27% of its fuel production, said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting with journalists.
"We believe the Russians have lost more than 20% of their oil refining potential, around 22–27% of their fuel production. That's why there were queues. There's a problem there," Zelenskyy said.
The head of state noted that as a result of the strikes, several Russian oil refineries were damaged, forcing Russia to redistribute fuel volumes among other facilities.
"When they started repairs and saw queues of cars, they had to shift volumes to other refineries. Therefore, our task is clear — to continue targeting other plants that have begun to increase their production," the President emphasized.
Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine is now using domestically produced long-range weapons, as well as British Storm Shadow and French SCALP missiles in smaller quantities. According to him, 90–95% of strikes on targets deep within Russia are carried out using Ukrainian systems.
The President added that Ukraine will continue producing long-range weapons, seek funding, and work daily to weaken Russia's economic base.
"This is their war money from oil refining. That's why we are targeting it," Zelenskyy concluded.
Russians feel the impact of refinery strikes
Earlier, Ukraine's Defense Intelligence reported that during strikes on Russian territory, the Ukrainian forces focus on the enemy’s strategically important facilities. They noted that the effects of such operations are already visible. Targets of Ukrainian strikes are divided into three main categories: the command system, the defense-industrial complex, and Russia's energy infrastructure.
At the same time, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) noted that after Ukraine's successful attacks on Russian oil refineries, fuel prices in Russia have sharply increased. According to ISW, more than 70% of Russians have already felt the rise in prices.
