Ukrainian drone strikes cut Russian oil refining capacity by 30%

Ukrainian drone strikes have hit nine major Russian oil refineries, cutting their processing capacity by about 30%. These refineries usually handle around 300,000 metric tonnes of crude oil every day. As a result, Russia is struggling with fuel shortages at home while trying to keep up with diesel exports. Ukraine plans to keep targeting Russian energy sites in retaliation. The attacks have affected facilities with a combined daily nameplate capacity of around 300,000 metric tonnes, or 2.2 million barrels, including three major refineries in central Russia and plants in Ryazan, Yaroslavl and the Volga region. Industry sources estimate the actual reduction in daily crude processing could reach 200,000 tonnes. The strikes have added to Moscow's difficulties in tackling domestic fuel shortages while continuing to ship diesel to international markets under an export deal with US President Donald Trump. Ukraine intensified its strikes after a proposed ceasefire on attacks against energy infrastructure, announced by Trump in late October, failed to take effect. In the latest attack, a Ukrainian drone hit the Kirishi oil refinery, Russia's second-largest, on Monday night, triggering a fire and killing a woman. Russian forces continued targeting Ukraine's energy and transport infrastructure, with six large electricity substations struck across four central regions.