Ukrainian strikes disable 51% of Russia's oil refining capacity

Ukrainian strikes have disabled 51% of Russia's oil refining capacity, according to an assessment by Ukraine's Defense Ministry, intelligence, and General Staff. Defense Minister Yevgeny Khmar said this significantly undermines Russia's economy and military capability. The ministry listed recently hit targets including Moscow, Yaroslavl, Perm, Saratov, Syzran, and Ilsky refineries, plus the KINEF plant and a complex in Ust-Luga. These facilities supply gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel crucial for Russia's military and economy. Ukraine plans to expand long-range drone production and procurement, which tripled in 2026. On September 28, Putin classified oil product trade data, and on October 1, Donald Trump noted the "alarming speed" of Russian refinery destruction.