Last night, Ukrainian drones attacked the Leningrad region of the Russian Federation, targeting the Kirishi Nafteen Synthese plant, one of Russia's largest oil refineries. This marked the second attack on the facility in March. According to local authorities, the strikes caused fires and disruptions in production.
Additionally, strategically important oil ports in Primorsk and Sluga came under attack, forcing a halt in oil shipments. These ports play a key role in exporting Russian oil products to other countries. As such, the attacks have a combined effect: on one hand, they hinder the export of oil products, and on the other, they reduce Russia's own refining capacity, compelling the country to purchase fuel from abroad.
These developments come amid potential shifts in international energy policy, particularly regarding decisions by U.S. President Donald Trump on sanctions and possible aid to Russia. At the same time, Ukraine is focused on further reducing Russia’s energy resources, which could affect the course of the war and the country's military-industrial potential in the future.
Supplying Ukraine with long-range weapons by its partners remains a vital factor; timely support could have further limited Russia’s economic capabilities. Moreover, the ongoing attacks on refining infrastructure are making it ever more difficult for Russia to finance its war effort.
The author concludes that the only effective tool to end the war is to deplete the aggressor’s resources and limit its economic capacity. It is emphasized that reliance should be on exerting pressure through the energy sector, rather than expecting internal unrest in Russia.
