Russia’s oil infrastructure targeted 81 times in 2024
Photo: British journalists counted the burned-out refineries and oil depots (RosSIA)
In 2024, oil refineries and fuel depots on Russian territory and in occupied areas of Ukraine were attacked at least 81 times. Most of the strikes targeted oil facilities in southern Russia, according to the Russian BBC agency.
According to the agency, in the second half of 2024, the frequency of such attacks noticeably decreased — particularly in September and October.
Oil refineries remained under fire — at least 31 attacks were carried out on them during the year, and some facilities required prolonged repairs afterward.
Before New Year’s Eve, drones attacked the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery, causing a fire. This was one of the major incidents at the end of 2024. The refinery supplied fuel for Russian tanks, armored vehicles, and aviation, and its proximity to the Ukrainian border was critical for Russian war logistics.
The plant ceased operations three times over the past year. It is still unclear whether it has resumed operations following the latest attack.
Change in strategy
The Russian BBC service highlights that last year, the strategy for strikes on Russian oil infrastructure changed. From the spring of 2024, the main focus shifted to facilities used for supplying military equipment, whereas previously, regular oil refineries were more frequently targeted.
In April, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that he believed Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries could have consequences for the global energy situation.
In the year's second half, the number of attacks sharply decreased. The US repeatedly clarified that it does not support strikes on oil refineries and fuel depots.
Oil facilities in southern Russia are more frequently targeted. According to BBC estimates, about 20% of all attacks occurred in the Krasnodar region, eight in the Rostov region, six in the Belgorod region, and five in the Oryol and Volgograd regions. At least 64 attacks resulted in fires.
Ukraine began striking Russian oil facilities only in 2024. This was done to deprive the enemy of resources and reduce the flow of oil money and fuel that Russia directly channels into the war, including the killing of Ukrainian citizens.
