Ukrainian strikes on oil facilities trigger fuel disruptions in southern Russia
Photo: Fire at the oil refinery in Feodosia (Russian media)
Russia has acknowledged "temporary difficulties" with fuel supplies in its southern regions due to Ukrainian drone strikes. To manage the situation, Moscow has formed a special industry task force, according to Russia's Ministry of Energy.
According to the ministry, companies in the fuel and energy sector are "facing an increase in enemy aerial attacks, leading to temporary difficulties with fuel supplies in a number of southern regions."
To respond to the situation, the Energy Ministry has formed an industry task force that operates on a permanent basis. It includes all of Russia’s largest fuel and energy companies.
According to the ministry, the task force's mission is to "ensure the stable and efficient operation of the country's entire fuel and energy complex."
In May 2026, Ukraine achieved a record level of damage to Russia's oil-refining industry, with approximately one-quarter of its refining capacity put out of operation.
The affected refineries accounted for more than 30% of Russia's gasoline production and about 25% of its diesel fuel output. Among the facilities hit were plants in Moscow, Yaroslavl, Nizhny Novgorod, Ryazan, and Kirishi.
Earlier, Bloomberg reported that Ukrainian drones are capable of reaching roughly a quarter of Russia's territory, where more than 70% of the country's population lives. Their strike range is estimated at up to 1,600 kilometers (about 1,000 miles).
In occupied Crimea, authorities have introduced strict fuel restrictions and gasoline rationing due to repeated strikes on oil depots. On June 7, Ukraine's Defense Forces struck the peninsula's two largest oil depots as well as an FSB facility.
