Will Ukraine's strikes on Russian oil exports weaken Moscow's war effort? 09.04.2026

Ukraine has intensified its campaign against Russia's energy sector, targeting oil refineries and crucial export terminals on the Baltic and Black Seas since March. This strategy, which Ukraine views as hitting military assets, aims to cripple Russia's war funding and retaliate for Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Recent attacks have focused on key ports like Primorsk, Ust-Luga, and Novorossiysk, damaging storage areas and export terminals, with strikes on Ust-Luga occurring nearly 1,000 kilometers from Kyiv. While Russia possesses repair capabilities, these disruptions force maintenance and divert personnel. The attacks have already caused significant financial losses, with nearly $1 billion in damages reported from strikes on Primorsk and Ust-Luga, which handle approximately 40% of Russia's oil exports. President Zelensky has proposed an energy truce, contingent on Russia ceasing its attacks on Ukraine's energy sector, a proposal that has not yet received a Kremlin response.



















