Ukrainian Drone Attacks Paralyze Russian Oil Refining Capacity

Since the beginning of 2026, Ukrainian drone strikes have targeted at least 16 Russian oil refineries, significantly disrupting the country's energy sector. According to Reuters calculations cited by Ukrinform, these attacks have taken approximately 700,000 barrels per day of refining capacity offline. The intensity of strikes has increased compared to 2025, with peak disruptions in March and April affecting nearly 1 million barrels per day. In total, 35 primary distillation units have been shut down due to damage or related issues, representing a substantial portion of Russia's processing capability. This operational paralysis has led to a record low in oil product exports, which dropped to 2.2 million barrels per day in April, a decrease of 340,000 barrels from the previous month. Additionally, crude oil production fell by 460,000 barrels per day year-over-year. The sustained attacks on refineries, pipelines, and storage facilities are intensifying pressure on Moscow’s federal budget, where oil and gas taxes constitute roughly 25% of revenue. Major facilities in Kirishi, Nizhny Novgorod, Perm, and Tuapse were among those impacted, highlighting the strategic effectiveness of Ukraine's asymmetric warfare tactics against Russia's economic infrastructure.