Russia's oil infrastructure under fire: Satellite images document damage – and a lot of smoke

Ukraine is escalating its campaign against Russia's oil infrastructure, targeting refineries, storage facilities, and pumping stations on Russian territory. Recent strikes, including those near St. Petersburg and Kronstadt naval base, have been verified through social media videos and satellite imagery. These attacks are increasingly disrupting Russia's oil operations, with evidence of damage and significant smoke visible from the strikes.

Satellite images from companies like Vantor show damaged oil tanks and smoke plumes, indicating the effectiveness of Ukrainian drone attacks, even in the face of anti-drone measures. The attacks are not isolated incidents; numerous oil facilities across Russia, including in Ryazan, Perm, Lazarevo, and Ust-Labinsk, have been targeted in recent weeks. Data suggests at least 17 oil facilities have been hit since early May, with some being attacked multiple times to hinder repair efforts.

The strategic objective behind these strikes is to diminish Russia's revenue from oil exports. Reports suggest these attacks are succeeding, leading to a reduction in both crude oil production and export capacity. The Kremlin has publicly acknowledged a decrease in oil production this year, attributing it to "unscheduled maintenance" at refineries. Beyond economic impacts, the attacks also cause environmental damage through air pollution and oil spills into waterways. The ongoing assaults highlight Ukraine's evolving military capabilities and its focus on crippling Russia's war economy.

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unscheduled maintenance work has to be carried out at some oil refineries