Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces Commander Robert Brovdi, also known as “Madiar”, reports that Moscow's daily oil shipments have decreased by approximately 880,000 barrels. This has happened as a result of a series of strikes on facilities along the Primorsk — Ust-Luga — Sheskharis — Tuapse axis.
According to him, this corresponds to around $100 million in daily losses, based on the market price of Urals crude oil.
Adversary adjusts oil logistics after infrastructure damage
Ukrainian forces note that the strikes have affected the stability of key ports and transshipment facilities, forcing the adversary to adjust supply routes and redirect flows to alternative logistics hubs.
“After damage to the Sheskharis terminal in the Novorossiysk area, Russia attempted to reroute flows to Tuapse,” the statement said.
This was taken into account during operational planning: on 16 April, the Defense Forces struck the Tuapse Oil Refinery, resulting in a large-scale fire that is still ongoing
Defense Forces coordinate strikes on critical energy infrastructure
The Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces emphasizes that these operations are conducted in coordination with the Security Service, Special Operations Forces, Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR), and other components of the Defense Forces as part of a broader campaign targeting the Russian critical infrastructure.
“Step by step, the enemy’s oil logistics system is losing its ability to ensure uninterrupted exports,” the USF stated.
The result of this work is already visible on the battlefield: fewer resources for the Russians mean greater opportunities for Ukraine's units, the soldiers added.
Meanwhile, the US has once again temporarily eased sanctions on Russian oil, issuing a new exception that allows the delivery and sale of certain shipments already at sea.
The decision was made by the US Treasury Department at a time when Washington publicly insists it continues to pressure the Kremlin.
The Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) published General License 134B on 17 April, which authorizes operations involving Russian crude oil and petroleum products loaded onto vessels as of that date. The exception is valid until 16 May and replaces a previous license that expired on 11 April.
