Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s oil infrastructure have cut the average output of Russian refineries to 4.69 million barrels per day. Notably, this is the lowest level since 2009.
Details
Since December, Ukraine has increased strikes on Russian oil infrastructure. According to Bloomberg, Ukraine carried out at least 21 attacks in April alone. These targeted refineries, export terminals, and pipeline infrastructure. For one month, this is the highest number of strikes recorded this year. The outlet based its data on statements from Ukrainian and Russian officials.
Ukraine intensified these attacks to reduce Moscow’s revenues. In particular, Russia has benefited from the global energy crisis caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Therefore, Kyiv aims to limit these gains.
According to estimates by analytics firm OilX, average refinery output dropped to 4.69 million barrels per day. This is the lowest figure since December 2009. As a result, lower crude processing rates now pressure both domestic and global markets. Russia remains a key exporter of diesel fuel. However, reduced output limits its ability to increase oil production.
Refineries and pipelines
In April, Ukraine returned to its late-2025 strategy. Specifically, it resumed targeted strikes on individual Russian refineries. Importantly, the consequences of such attacks are not quick to fix. For example, operations at Rosneft’s refinery in Tuapse stopped after recent Ukrainian strikes. Over the past two weeks, large fires broke out at the site. Emergency crews tried to contain them for several days.
At the same time, attacks on Russian ports decreased in April. Because refinery operations slowed, Russia managed to increase seaborne oil exports. However, Bloomberg notes this may be temporary if Ukraine resumes port strikes soon.
In addition, Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Russian pipelines. In April, it hit at least five pumping stations. Unlike last year, Kyiv now targets facilities deep inside Russia. So far, these strikes have not caused long-term disruption to domestic supply. Russia has managed to reroute oil flows from damaged sites.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that on April 29, Ukraine’s Defense Forces struck a Russian oil hub in the Perm region. The facility lies more than 1,500 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
