Ukraine intensifies strikes on Russian oil refineries

Ukrainian forces continue to target Russian military infrastructure in their ongoing conflict. Recently, they focused attacks on drone factories and logistics, which they believe could weaken Russia's ability to carry out strikes on Ukrainian cities. One significant strike occurred on December 26 when Ukrainian bombers targeted a new drone factory in Russia. This attack destroyed a facility used for storing and repairing drones known for their role in bombarding Ukraine. A follow-up attack in January destroyed more than 200 drones. However, experts suggest these efforts have had limited impact, as Russian factories can produce nearly 1,000 drones each month. While these strikes may offer temporary relief to Ukrainian civilians, they have not significantly changed the overall situation. Analysts indicate that even successful strikes do not guarantee that Ukrainian forces can take advantage of the reduced Russian capabilities, especially when faced with challenges on the ground. In recent months, Ukraine has shifted its focus to attacking Russian oil infrastructure, particularly refineries. These facilities are crucial to the Russian economy and challenging to repair once damaged. Estimates suggest that recent attacks could have cost Russia between $658 and $863 million. However, these efforts may still not significantly impact Russia's substantial oil revenue, which was reported at $189 billion for 2024. Experts advise that more frequent and targeted strikes on these complex oil facilities could be more effective. They argue that such attacks might hinder Russia's ability to sustain its military efforts and could influence the outcome of the war favorably for Ukraine.