Even prior to Ukraine’s recent major attack on Moscow, where a significant refinery was struck, causing thick black smoke to billow over the city, the impact of Kyiv’s escalating drone operations was keenly felt by many Russians.
In Crimea, the region unlawfully annexed by Moscow in 2014, the Russian-appointed governor imposed a nighttime ban on motorcycles and scooters due to their resemblance to the drones frequently buzzing overhead. Ukrainian strikes aimed at disrupting supply routes in the area led to empty fuel pumps, fuel limitations, and growing frustration among residents.
While Moscow and its 13 million inhabitants have not yet encountered the same fuel shortages, experts point out that Russia’s energy sector is facing mounting strain as Ukraine shifts the conflict closer to the country through a series of long- and mid-range attacks.
Oleksandr Kharchenko, the director of the Energy Industry Research Center in Kyiv, expressed mixed feelings, stating, “I don’t like to see civilian people suffering, but on the other side, only people of Moscow can stop this war. It’s not Putin who will bring about peace.”
Russian President Putin was absent from Moscow when Ukraine used approximately 200 drones to strike the capital and its environs. He was hosting leaders from Southeast Asian nations in the Russian city of Kazan, over 700 kilometers away. The attack resulted in 16 injuries and the tragic death of an eight-year-old girl, with damage to residential buildings, a mall, and burnt vehicles. An explosion at the Gazprom Neft-owned refinery in the city’s southeast disrupted nearly 40% of fuel supply to the capital.
Videos circulated online depicted scenes of chaos and fear as air defenses attempted to intercept the drones. Following the attacks, images emerged showing cars covered in black residue, with reports of dark rain falling from the sky.
Igor Sechin, the CEO of Rosneft, Russia’s largest oil company, acknowledged the challenging conditions in the fuel market, attributing them to high seasonal demand and unforeseen refinery maintenance. He assured the public of continued fuel supply to essential facilities and businesses, with minimal restrictions on gas station refueling.
The Kremlin acknowledged the drone strikes, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating that measures were being taken to address the aftermath. In Crimea, fuel rationing was implemented due to repeated attacks on transportation routes, including railway bridges. Reports of shortages were also noted in regions like Dagestan, prompting Russia to consider importing fuel from Asia to alleviate the scarcity.
According to Kharchenko, the recent attack marked the beginning of a tangible fuel shortage in Russia. He projected that sustained strikes on the country’s energy infrastructure by Ukraine for another four to six weeks could lead to severe and lasting repercussions.
At a defense convention in Paris, Fire Point, a Ukrainian drone and missile manufacturer, showcased footage of the Moscow strikes carried out with their long-range drones. Denys Shtilerman, Fire Point’s co-founder, emphasized that war was encroaching on Moscow, targeting vital energy facilities and logistical routes crucial for Russia’s military.
Shtilerman highlighted the disruptions faced by the Russian army in supply deliveries, emphasizing the diminishing pressure on Ukrainian forces in the conflict zone. Ukraine’s strategic targeting aims to weaken Russia’s military capabilities and logistical support network, intensifying the pressure on Moscow in the ongoing conflict.