Ukraine strikes shrink Russia’s oil flow as ports and refineries burn
Ukraine’s long-range strikes against Russian oil ports and refineries coincide with sanctions dynamics to depress Russia’s oil exports in March–April, with March shipments down about 300,000 barrels per day and refined products down 200,000 bpd, prompting revenue losses of at least $2.3 billion and forcing crude output cuts of 300,000–400,000 bpd; although the US briefly waived some oil sanctions, Russia’s flow remains constrained as prices stay high. Separately, the EU approved a 90‑billion‑euro loan to Ukraine to fund its military and sanctions efforts, while Kyiv expands its air‑defense capabilities and private-sector defense collaborations.
