Ukrainian drone strikes knock out third of Russia's refinery capacity
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Ukrainian drone strikes have disabled nearly a third of Russia's oil refining capacity, analysts estimate. In the first week of June, Russia's crude processing fell below 4 million barrels per day, the lowest in 21 years. The attacks hit 8 of the 10 largest refineries, with 16 successful strikes in May alone.
The Strikes
Ukrainian drones struck Russian oil refineries 16 times in May, hitting 8 of the 10 largest facilities, according to ru.themoscowtimes.com. The attacks have idled an estimated 2.14 million barrels per day of capacity, or nearly a third of Russia's total, Energy Intelligence analysts calculated. The campaign has pushed Russia's refining sector back to early-2000s output levels.
Output Collapse
In the first week of June, Russia's crude processing fell to 4 million barrels per day, the lowest in 21 years, Energy Intelligence data show. The sustained drone campaign has disrupted operations at key refineries, reducing fuel production and straining domestic supply. Analysts warn that repairs may take months, further depressing output.
Drone Strike on Yeysk Airfield
On May 14-15, 2026, Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces struck the Russian airfield at Yeysk on the Sea of Azov, destroying a Beriev Be-200 amphibious jet and damaging a Ka-27 naval helicopter. The Be-200 is one of the rarest aircraft in Russian naval service.
What's Next
Russia is expected to accelerate repair work at damaged refineries in the coming weeks, but the scale of the damage may limit a quick recovery. It remains unclear whether Ukraine will sustain the pace of strikes or shift targets to other energy infrastructure.
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Ukrainian drone strikes knock out third of Russia's refinery capacity
