MOSCOW, July 13 — Ukraine has systematically targeted Russian oil refineries and fuel depots with long-range drones since early 2024, according to records of the campaign, in an effort to degrade the fuel supply for Russian military operations and reduce revenue from petroleum exports. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry has confirmed that over 20 such strikes occurred between January and December 2024 alone. The strategy rests on the legal argument that energy infrastructure constitutes a legitimate military target under international law, as it directly supports Russian combat operations.
Industry analysts estimate that the strikes reduced Russian oil refining capacity by an estimated 10-15% during 2024, according to the record.
Key targets and pattern of escalation
Among the earliest and most significant strikes was the January 2024 attack on the Tuapse refinery in Krasnodar Krai, a major facility on the Black Sea coast. In March 2024, Ukrainian drones struck the Ryazan refinery and the Nizhny Novgorod refinery. Each of these attacks caused significant fires and forced temporary shutdowns at the facilities, according to the record.
The April 27, 2025 strike on Stavropol Krai continues this pattern. That attack demonstrates Ukraine’s growing drone range and persistence, officials have noted.
The choice of targets shows a deliberate attempt to hit facilities deep inside Russian territory, far from the front lines of the conflict.
Strategic context and consequences
The campaign represents a shift in Ukrainian military doctrine toward striking rear-echelon infrastructure that sustains Russian combat operations. By targeting refineries and depots, Ukraine aims to create fuel shortages that could impair Russian logistics and limit the mobility of armored units, according to the strategic assessment. The reduction in refining capacity has also affected Russia’s ability to export petroleum products, which have been a key source of foreign currency for the Russian budget.
The strikes have imposed costs on the Russian economy while also forcing the military to divert resources to protect energy infrastructure, the record shows.
Legal and operational dimensions
Ukrainian officials have publicly stated that the strikes are conducted in accordance with international law, arguing that oil refineries processing fuel for military use are valid military objectives. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry has not commented on the specific munitions used in each strike, but the increasing range of the drones involved indicates ongoing technical improvements to Ukraine’s strike capabilities. Russian authorities have condemned the attacks as strikes on civilian infrastructure, though the facilities targeted have been primarily those with direct links to military fuel supply chains.
The pattern of strikes has forced Russian energy companies to implement enhanced security measures at refineries and depots across several regions. Looking ahead, the trajectory of the campaign suggests that Ukrainian forces will continue to develop longer-range drone capabilities and identify new targets within Russia’s energy sector.
The effectiveness of Russian air defense systems in protecting these facilities will be a key factor in determining the future scope of the strikes, according to the record.
