Frequent drone attacks by Ukraine have forced nearly all major oil refineries in central Russia to halt operations.

Summary of content: Ukraine has recently sustained drone strikes against major Russian oil refineries, causing shutdowns or reduced output at critical facilities in Moscow, Ryazan, and Kirishi. Approximately one-quarter of Russia’s total refining capacity is now affected, leading to noticeable shortages of gasoline and diesel, shrinking energy revenues, and mounting pressure on both state finances and the war effort. Repeated strikes against energy infrastructure are gradually evolving into an ‘economic attrition campaign’ against Russia in the Russia-Ukraine war. Austrian media outlet KURIER recently reported—citing official data and sources—that following frequent Ukrainian drone attacks, nearly all major oil refineries in central Russia have been forced to suspend or operate at half-capacity due to severe equipment damage requiring repairs. Ukraine’s campaign against Russian refining facilities has been a sustained effort—not achieved overnight. Since 2026, the scale of such attacks has grown exponentially. According to Reuters’ industry sources, Ukrainian drones have struck at least 16 Russian refineries since the start of 2026—some repeatedly—whereas only eight refineries were hit during the same period in 2025. This year alone, over 35 primary refining units have been struck, with a combined daily processing capacity exceeding 390,000 tons. In May, the intensity of Ukrainian strikes escalated further. According to Robert Brovdi, Commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, Ukrainian Armed Forces destroyed or damaged at least ten Russian refining enterprises within the first 20 days of May—including facilities in Moscow, Ryazan, Perm, Kirishi, Samara, and Tuapse. Notably, in a sustained nighttime raid in late May, Ukrainian drones employed multi-wave, multi-directional, and comprehensive tactics to evade Russian border air defenses, penetrating hundreds to nearly one thousand kilometers deep into Russian territory. Over three consecutive nights, they simultaneously targeted multiple energy hubs—including areas around Moscow, Ryazan, Syzran, and Nizhny Novgorod—severely damaging 11 Russian refineries. I. Timeline of Ukrainian drone strikes forcing Russian refineries to halt operations: The following is a list of major Russian refineries confirmed to have suspended operations or suffered severe production cuts since May 2026: Kirishi Refinery (KINEF)—Russia’s second-largest refinery, with an annual capacity of ~20 million tons, located in Leningrad Oblast and the largest refining facility in northwestern Russia. During the night of May 4–5, Ukrainian drones struck the facility, damaging three of its four crude distillation units; it fully halted operations on May 5. Its products supply key European and domestic Russian markets, and it is a vital diesel supplier—the shutdown directly disrupted fuel supply chains across northwestern Russia. Ryazan Refinery—Russia’s third-largest refinery, with an annual capacity of 17 million tons. On May 15, Ukrainian drones precisely hit the area housing its main refining units (AVT-1/2/3/4 and AT-6), triggering a major fire and forcing complete closure. Accounting for roughly 5% of Russia’s total refining capacity, its shutdown directly severed approximately 5% of refined product supply to central Russia. Moscow Refinery—with an annual capacity of ~12 million tons, supplying most of the capital region’s fuel needs—was struck by drones on May 17 and subsequently halted operations. Although reportedly suffering relatively light damage, the plant opted for a precautionary shutdown for maintenance and risk mitigation.

CIA Director warns Russians; Hungary shifts foreign policy; Russian strategic aviation disappears.

However, Politico—citing anonymous sources—reported that during his visit to Russia, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines (note: correction—this refers to CIA Director William Burns; but per original text, likely referencing former DNI John Ratcliffe, though contextually inconsistent; original Chinese text says '拉特克利夫' i.e., John Ratcliffe) urged Russian officials not to take actions that could escalate tensions with U.S. NATO allies—particularly Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. He also urged Russia to reduce its military and economic support to Iran, and advised that, should expanded U.S. sanctions impact Russia, Moscow should avoid ‘overreacting.’ [2.3] According to media reports, Italy will secretly provide Ukraine with next-generation SAMP/T air defense systems and Aster-30 missiles: Italy’s newspaper La Repubblica reported on the 26th that the package will include four SAMP/T NG air defense systems (with ballistic missile defense capability), Aster-30 interceptors, and seven long-range radars. Four SAMP/T NG systems? Italy is truly impressing observers! We eagerly await formal confirmation from the Italian government. Italy originally operated five legacy SAMP/T systems. It has already deployed two to Ukraine, leaving only three older systems operational domestically. Italy has placed orders for ten new SAMP/T NG systems—four for the Army and five for the Air Force—with a long-term plan to deploy six Army variants. The first NG system was delivered only in late December 2025, and the Italian military formally accepted it in early 2026—meaning deliveries have just begun slowly, and the full order of ten remains far from completion. If the report proves accurate, these systems would likely be newly manufactured, with deliveries to Ukraine expected to commence only in 2027. [2.4] A fresh blow to Russia’s refining industry: Lukoil’s Nizhny Novgorod Refinery in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast suspended crude oil processing on the 26th following a Ukrainian drone strike. This refinery ranks fourth in Russia by capacity. Sources indicated that the drone attack damaged multiple processing units, inter-unit infrastructure, and integrated plant facilities. Repair timelines remain uncertain, as does the date when crude processing might resume. Lukoil’s refining assets have suffered heavy losses: its Perm Refinery ceased operations after a drone strike on the 21st; its Volgograd Refinery halted operations following an attack on July 31. Currently, all of Lukoil’s major Russian refineries are offline. Over the four weeks preceding August 23, Russia’s average daily seaborne crude oil exports fell to 3.46 million barrels—due to Ukrainian strikes against refineries, Black Sea ports, and tankers. According to OPEC estimates, Russia produced 8.887 million barrels per day of crude oil in July. Bloomberg reported this as the lowest level in six years—nearly one million barrels per day below Russia’s production ceiling under the OPEC+ agreement. [2.5] A reader asked whether Hungary’s Magyar government’s recent publication of a foreign policy document signals a complete pivot toward the Western camp—and a definitive break with former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s pro-Russian foreign policy. Answer: This interpretation is exaggerated. Even during Orbán’s tenure, he condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine as ‘reckless’ and affirmed support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The Magyar government’s statement represents a diplomatic recalibration—not a wholesale shift from ‘pro-Russian’ to ‘anti-Russian’—and thus reflects no fundamental or revolutionary change.

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