Ukrainian Drone Strikes Cripple Russian Oil Exports and Refining
Ukraine launched a massive drone campaign against Russian refineries and Baltic ports, forcing production warnings from Transneft and causing a sharp drop in export revenues.
A sweeping Ukrainian drone campaign in August and September 2025 has severely disrupted Russia's energy sector. Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized the strikes on refineries and export terminals as the most effective sanctions, as they target the funding for Moscow's war effort. The offensive included a massive assault of approximately 361 drones, hitting the Kirishi and Saratov refineries and critical Baltic ports including Primorsk and Ust-Luga. These attacks reportedly cut Russian refining capacity by up to 20%, with Goldman Sachs estimating a loss of 300,000 barrels per day.
The damage at Primorsk, which handles over 10% of Russia's oil production, damaged onshore pumping equipment and two tankers, the Kusto and the Cai Yun. Consequently, Russia's average daily seaborne crude exports fell by 22.7% in the week ending September 14, causing weekly export revenues to collapse by approximately $372 million. In response, the state pipeline monopoly Transneft restricted crude storage and warned producers they might need to cut output.
International responses have intensified. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a 19th sanctions package to further phase out Russian fossil fuels. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump warned of 50 to 100 percent tariffs on countries continuing to buy Russian oil, specifically targeting India and China, while approving new weapons aid packages for Ukraine through the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (Purl) mechanism.
