Ukraine launched precision strikes on two major Russian oil refineries in Bashkortostan and Volgograd, disrupting fuel supplies to the Russian military. These attacks, part of a wider campaign targeting Russia's oil infrastructure, have significantly reduced Russia's oil processing capacity, causing fuel shortages and price hikes across the country. Economists believe this strategy effectively weakens Russia's war effort, impacting its budget and public morale, despite Russia's attempts to mitigate the situation through export bans and exploring costly defensive measures. The disruption underscores the vulnerability of Russia's oil industry and its critical role in funding the war in Ukraine.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.