In recent weeks, Ukraine has significantly increased its military operations targeting Russian oil facilities, reaching the highest monthly strike rate since December. This escalation has resulted in a notable decline in Russia’s oil refining capacity, marking the lowest levels observed in recent years.
According to data compiled by Bloomberg, at least 21 strikes were recorded in April against Russian oil refineries, offshore facilities, and pipeline infrastructure. This includes a minimum of nine attacks specifically on oil refining plants, the highest monthly total since the beginning of the year.
Analytical firm OilX estimates that these attacks have reduced the average output of Russian refineries to approximately 4.69 million barrels per day, the lowest figure since December 2009. The decrease in crude oil processing is exerting pressure on both the domestic market, where seasonal demand is rising, and global oil product markets, given Russia’s role as a major exporter of diesel fuel.
Operations at the Tuapse refinery, owned by Rosneft on the Black Sea coast, have been halted due to three attacks in the last two weeks, resulting in large fires that took several days to extinguish. Despite these disruptions, Russia managed to increase maritime exports in April, as attacks on ports decreased, according to tanker tracking data from Bloomberg. However, this uptick may be temporary if Ukraine resumes its port strikes in the near future.
Additionally, Ukraine has intensified its assaults on Russian pipeline networks, hitting at least five pumping stations in April. These strikes have targeted facilities deep within Russia, rather than those servicing export pipelines near the western borders of the country.
This strategic increase in attacks aligns with Ukraine’s objective to diminish the substantial profits Moscow has been reaping from elevated global oil prices, which have been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Concurrently, Russia continues to strike civilian infrastructure in Ukraine using drones and missiles, amid stalled peace negotiations and a focus from Washington on the Middle Eastern conflict.
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, various sites within Russia have been subjected to airstrikes, with oil refineries frequently targeted in 2024 and 2025. Attacks have also occurred on Russian facilities located in occupied territories of Ukraine.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has confirmed most of these attacks, stating that Ukrainian defense forces are systematically implementing measures aimed at reducing the combat potential of Russian occupation troops and pressuring Russia to cease its armed aggression against Ukraine.
Ukraine's recent surge in strikes against Russian oil infrastructure has led to a significant reduction in Russia's refining capacity, impacting both domestic and global oil markets. This escalation reflects Ukraine's strategy to undermine Russia's economic advantages amid ongoing conflict.
Source: Bloomberg