Ukrainian drones have struck a major oil refinery in southern Russia for the second time in the past month, escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict. The attacks have reportedly disrupted Russia’s refining operations, reducing its refining capacity by 17%—about 1.1 million barrels per day—according to Reuters calculations. These strikes are believed to be part of a broader strategy to weaken Russia’s energy infrastructure, which plays a crucial role in its economy and military operations.
The repeated targeting of the refinery has raised concerns about the impact on global oil markets, as Russia is a major producer and exporter of crude oil. Analysts suggest that the disruption could lead to a temporary increase in oil prices, although the long-term effects are still uncertain. The strikes also highlight the growing intensity of the conflict, with Ukraine using advanced drone technology to strike at key Russian energy assets.
International observers have called for restraint, emphasizing the potential humanitarian and economic consequences of further attacks on civilian infrastructure. Meanwhile, Russian authorities have condemned the strikes, accusing Ukraine of escalating the conflict with deliberate attacks on strategic facilities. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains closely monitoring the developments, with concerns over the potential for further escalation.