Ukraine has significantly escalated its long-range drone attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, including oil refineries and pumping stations, in an effort to disrupt Russia's war effort. These strikes have targeted facilities up to 1,300 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, impacting a wide range of locations including the Yaroslavl and Kaluga regions, the Republic of Udmurtia, Bashkortostan, and an oil export terminal in Russia's Rostov region. Ukrainian officials have called these operations "long-range sanctions" aimed at reducing Russia's ability to finance its war.
The sustained campaign has severely reduced Russia's oil refining capacity, with reports indicating that around 40% of the country's refining capacity might not be operational until mid-September. This has led to widespread gasoline shortages, long lines at gas stations, and even fuel rationing in various regions, including Irkutsk. President Putin has acknowledged a "temporary deficit" of fuel and stated that Russia would import more fuel and accelerate repairs at damaged facilities, though he claimed the attacks had no effect on the front lines.
In response to the domestic fuel crisis, major Russian energy companies like Rosneft, Gazprom Neft, and Lukoil have approached Indian refineries for additional gasoline imports. While at least one cargo of Indian gasoline is reportedly en route to Russia, India's limited surplus means Russia may need to rely on complex supply chains and intermediaries for future supplies. The economic strain from these attacks has also led to a surge in gas station closures and a significant drop in economic optimism among Russians, with 60% reporting deteriorating local economic conditions.
