Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy targets hit record levels - Bloomberg
Fire at the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery (Photo: Russian media)
In December, Ukraine significantly intensified strikes on Russia’s energy infrastructure, setting a record for the number of attacks since the start of the full-scale war, according to Bloomberg.
The report says that Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy facilities reached a monthly record in December. During this period, the largest number of sites came under fire, and the range of targets expanded.
According to Bloomberg’s estimates, at least 24 strikes were recorded over the month against Russian oil refineries, oil tankers, and other maritime assets, as well as key elements of the pipeline system.
Ukrainian armed forces have placed particular emphasis on maritime infrastructure. In particular, oil and gas production fields operated by Lukoil in the Caspian Sea were repeatedly attacked.
Throughout December, the ports of Taman and Rostov in the Black Sea also came under strikes, with several tankers catching fire as a result of the attacks.
At the same time, operations continued against Russia’s so-called shadow fleet.
The report notes that against this backdrop, Russian authorities are forecasting that oil and gas revenues will account for just 23% of the state budget next year - the lowest share on record.
Ukrainian strikes on Russian targets
As reported, during the night of December 28, Ukraine’s Defense Forces struck the Syzran oil refinery and several other Russian-occupied facilities.
Attack drones hit the refinery, causing a subsequent fire. The extent of the damage is still being assessed.
According to the General Staff, the refinery processes between 7 and 8.9 million tons of oil annually. The Syzran refinery is part of Russia’s energy logistics network and is involved in supplying the Russian armed forces.
Additionally, long-range drones from the Security Service of Ukraine Special Operations Center Alpha successfully struck two key oil and gas sector targets in the port of Temryuk and in Orenburg.
Earlier, during the night of December 24, the Defense Forces targeted a missile fuel production plant, a marine drone base, and ammunition depots in Russia.
