Zelenskyy says Ukraine drone strikes crippling Russian energy sector

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday that Kyiv's campaign of drone strikes against Russian energy infrastructure and military logistics routes is producing tangible results, with the leader stating that sustained attacks have disrupted fuel supplies across occupied territories and crippled nearly two-fifths of Moscow's oil refining capacity.

Refinery attacks and export curbs

Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces struck 15 Russian oil refineries between January and May, noting that nearly 40% of Russia’s primary oil refining capacity was offline as of last month. He added that Moscow has introduced export restrictions on aviation fuel and gasoline while considering similar limits on diesel shipments, measures he tied directly to the success of Kyiv’s aerial campaign.

Logistics disruption

The Ukrainian president said his forces can now strike Russian logistics routes across nearly the entire depth of Ukrainian territory currently under Moscow’s control, leaving “practically no safe roads” in the southern and eastern regions. He noted that these operations have contributed to mounting fuel shortages reported in Crimea and other occupied areas, adding that the disruption appears to be affecting Russia’s ability to supply its forward positions.

Kremlin silence

Russia has not publicly responded to Zelenskyy’s claims regarding damage to its oil industry or the alleged restrictions on fuel exports. The Kremlin typically withholds detailed assessments of Ukrainian strikes on energy facilities and military infrastructure located deep within Russian territory or occupied zones.