Ukraine struck Russian energy infrastructure at least 24 times in December, hitting the most assets and the widest range of targets since the full-scale invasion began, according to Bloomberg. The drone and missile attacks targeted refineries, oil tankers, offshore platforms, and major pipeline facilities across multiple regions. Kyiv's intensified campaign adds pressure on Russian exports already challenged by international sanctions. Russia, meanwhile, continues its daily terror strikes against residential areas and power grid.
Record strikes across land and sea
Bloomberg reports that Ukrainian forces expanded the geographic scope of their energy campaign this month, hitting the widest range of targets since the all-out war began. Kyiv repeatedly attacked Lukoil's oil and gas fields in the Caspian Sea, marking an intensification of strikes on offshore infrastructure. Ukraine also struck Russia's Black Sea ports of Taman and Rostov in December, setting several tankers on fire.
The shadow fleet Russia uses to evade Western sanctions also came under continued attack. These aging tankers have become priority targets as Ukraine seeks to disrupt Moscow's oil export workarounds.
Inland strikes on Russian fuel-producing plants continued throughout December. Ukraine used British-supplied Storm Shadow cruise missiles for the first time against the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, the General Staff reported.
Moscow continues to strike Ukrainian energy and civilian infrastructure, leaving thousands of Ukrainians without power, water, and heating amid freezing temperatures.
Kremlin revenues sink to record low
International sanctions on Russia's top oil producers have already challenged exports. Moscow expects oil and gas revenue to fall to 23% of budgetary income this year, a record low, Bloomberg noted. Russia still ships significant crude volumes, but the flow of petrodollars — a key source of funds for its war — is declining.
