KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine claims that its long-range strikes have neutralized more than half of Russia's oil refining capacity, impacting Moscow's ability to supply its forces during the ongoing invasion. The Defense Ministry reported on Sunday that recent strikes on refineries in cities including Moscow, Yaroslavl, Ust-Luga, Perm, Saratov, and Syzran have disabled 51% of Russia's oil refining capacity. This claim has not been independently verified.
As aerial assaults from both Moscow and Kyiv have intensified, progress along the 1,200-kilometer (750-mile) front line has largely stalled. Ukraine has conducted repeated attacks on refineries from Moscow to Siberia, contributing to a widespread fuel crisis in Russia that has led to restrictions on gasoline sales.
Russian officials have not disclosed specific figures regarding damage to the country's oil infrastructure. However, President Vladimir Putin acknowledged on October 1 that the strikes had cost Russia approximately 1% of its gross domestic product. He stated, "They started attacking oil refineries and openly declared the goal of damaging our economy. Did they achieve their goal? Partially," during a meeting at the Valdai Club forum.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara indicated that assessments from Ukraine's intelligence services, the General Staff, and the Defense Ministry confirm the strikes' significant impact. "Fifty-one percent of struck refining capacity is a significant blow to the enemy's economy, to its ability to carry out aggression and supply its troop groupings. Our deep strikes continue to bring the war to Russian territory," he stated.
Historically, Russia has been the world's third-largest producer of refined fuel products, following the U.S. and China. Some of Russia's 32 refineries have reportedly been hit as many as 15 times since the war began, with one refinery being targeted every three days in recent months. This has resulted in a cycle of damage and emergency repairs that could potentially degrade the units over the long term, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Ukrainian strikes have increasingly focused on complex equipment that removes impurities from fuel, which requires months to repair. The IEA reports that diesel output has decreased by about 30%, leading to long wait times for drivers at gasoline stations.
In response, Russian refiners have attempted to mitigate the impact by delaying scheduled maintenance and reactivating mothballed units. Additionally, they have lowered fuel quality standards to maintain gasoline supplies, which poses risks to engines and pollution control equipment. The Kremlin has also banned diesel exports, which has contributed to rising global prices.
In a separate incident, a Russian attack with a guided aerial bomb killed at least three people and injured 39 others, including three children, in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv on Monday, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov. He reported that a search and rescue operation was underway for potential victims under the rubble of a residential building that was struck.
Earlier, a Russian drone attack in Kharkiv's Industrialnyi district resulted in one fatality, with damage to vehicles and buildings. Another person was killed in a separate attack on the Sloviansk community in Ukraine's Donetsk region, prompting local officials to advise residents to evacuate.
Ukraine's air force reported that Russia launched 205 drones overnight into Monday, with 172 being shot down or suppressed. The Russian Defense Ministry stated that it had targeted an electrical substation in the Kharkiv region, as well as other energy and port infrastructure.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that a Russian drone attack caused a fire on a commercial vessel that later sank in the Black Sea, resulting in two deaths and the rescue of 11 crew members by Romanian authorities.
In response to the intensified aerial attacks, Ukraine has implemented measures such as installing automated turrets in Kyiv to counter jet-powered drones. The air force confirmed successful interceptions of Russian drones using these robotic systems.
Operations at a border crossing between Moldova and Ukraine were suspended following a shell landing near the checkpoint during a Russian attack, resulting in damage to a passenger bus and minor injuries to a border service employee. Authorities advised against travel to the area.