Ukraine's Long-Range Strikes Disrupt Russia's Fuel Flows and War Effort
Ukraine’s coordinated long- and intermediate-range strikes on Russian oil refining, storage, and logistics are degrading Russia’s fuel production and export capacity, fueling gasoline and diesel shortages across Russia and occupied territories, and squeezing Moscow’s war economy. Russia has deployed temporary fixes—importing fuel from Belarus/Kazakhstan/India, tapping reserves, and considering price caps—but these measures address symptoms rather than the root problem: insufficient air defense coverage and a defense-industrial base slow to adapt. Analysts expect the strikes to continue or escalate, potentially worsening frontline logistics and inflation as the Kremlin struggles to shield rear-area energy infrastructure and sustain military operations.
