Following ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, Ukraine has stepped up strikes on Russian oil refineries. The latest incident occurred in the Leningrad Region, where drones targeted the Kirishi oil refinery – one of Russia’s largest, processing over 18 million tons of oil annually.
Russian media have expressed confusion regarding the cause and effect of these attacks, not acknowledging their connection to strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure. After such refinery attacks, as seen in Orsk, Russians are experiencing fuel shortages, leading to long lines at gas stations, price hikes, and the need for authorities to import gasoline from Belarus, China, South Korea, and Singapore. Similarly, social tension is rising in border regions, especially in temporarily occupied Crimea, where over half of gas stations lack fuel.
Russian propagandists have accused Kazakhstan of being a launch site for drones, but the main reason for air defense problems is the reallocation of anti-air systems for the war in Ukraine.
Besides immediate economic pressure, the Russian population is growing increasingly dissatisfied with the authorities and the ongoing shortages. Ukrainian strikes are also leading to sanctions and technological challenges for Russian enterprises.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian defense forces are receiving assistance from charities in the form of FPV drones to counter attacks and protect the skies.
The difficult fuel situation in Russia is expected to persist, as Ukraine continues to respond to strikes on its own energy infrastructure.
