Russian hinterlands bear brunt of Ukraine drone campaign on fuel
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A Ukrainian long-range drone campaign has knocked out 20-40% of Russia's gasoline refining capacity, according to the IEA, triggering a nationwide fuel crisis. The shortages have hit remote villages hardest, where residents rely on fuel for generators, tractors, and chainsaws to prepare for winter. Local authorities have imposed restrictions on jerry can fill-ups, sparking complaints on social media.
The Drone Campaign
Nearly every major refinery in western Russia has been hit by Ukrainian drones, many multiple times, according to the International Energy Agency. Experts estimate that between 20% and 40% of the country's total refining capacity has been knocked offline. The effects have been felt across nearly every region of Russia, including distant Kamchatka on the Pacific Coast.
Local Restrictions
Some regions have imposed daily limits on fueling vehicles, while others have banned filling portable fuel cans to prevent hoarding and profiteering. A coupon system reminiscent of Soviet-era shortages has been introduced in some areas. In Novgorod, residents have taken to the governor's VK page to complain about the jerry can ban, saying it leaves villages without access to fuel for generators and farm equipment.
Village Hardship
Residents in remote villages report being unable to cut firewood or hay for winter because chainsaws and tractors lack fuel. Fishermen cannot trawl rivers due to a ban on filling jerry cans for outboard engines. One woman wrote that her village has no grocery store, pharmacy, or transportation, and that a weekly 30-kilometer trip to a gas station is now impossible without cans.
Trump Ultimatum on Ukraine War
U.S. President Donald Trump has given Moscow and Kyiv four months to end the war, threatening increased pressure on both sides if they fail. The approach of pressuring both parties has been criticized as a strategic error, given Russia's role as the aggressor.
What's Next
The Ukrainian drone campaign shows no signs of abating, with further strikes likely to deepen the fuel shortage. It remains unclear whether Russian authorities can restore refining capacity before winter, when demand for heating fuel and generator power typically spikes.
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Russian hinterlands bear brunt of Ukraine drone campaign on fuel
