Russia Is Forced to Import Aviation Fuel for Military Aircraft and Drones, According to the Main Intelligence Directorate

Ukraine’s military intelligence has identified the supply routes and maritime logistics networks used to deliver aviation fuel to Russia using tankers from Russia’s shadow fleet.

According to the Main Intelligence Directorate, systematic strikes by the Ukrainian Defense Forces on Russia’s oil refining network have led to a significant reduction in jet fuel production in Russia.

Due to a shortage of its own resources, Russia has officially imposed a temporary ban on jet fuel exports and has been forced to resort to importing foreign Jet A-1. This fuel can be used by the Russian military aviation and strike drones.

Ukrainian intelligence has identified the geographic locations of supplies, routes, and logistical schemes for importing aviation fuel into Russia.

According to the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), three tankers from Russia’s shadow fleet have already delivered approximately 70,000 metric tons of Jet A-1 to Russian ports from South Korea and Egypt.

Specifically:

• the tanker ASTORIA delivered nearly 11,000 metric tons of jet fuel from Ulsan to Vladivostok;
• the tankers HANNA and CAPIBARA transported nearly 59,000 metric tons of Jet A-1 from the Egyptian port of El Deheila to St. Petersburg.

Thus, the Russian military aviation and strike UAVs are becoming increasingly dependent on imported aviation fuel.

The Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) emphasizes that the Ukrainian Defense Forces’ long-range strikes against Russia’s fuel and energy infrastructure are creating additional logistical and resource challenges for the Russian army.

Intelligence also released details regarding the vessels, companies, and individuals involved in organizing the import of aviation fuel for Russia’s needs.

The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense reported this on Facebook.

Russian dictator Vova Putin called the fuel crisis in the country “inconveniences” and shifted the blame to the government.

The fuel crisis in Russia has worsened following a new series of Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries. In the first half of August, at least nine facilities in the industry—with a combined capacity of 145 million metric tons per year—were attacked, and at least four were destroyed. According to Rystad estimates, refining volumes are now one-third below the seasonal norm.

Prior to this, the Ukrainian Armed Forces carried out new long-range strikes against militarily significant targets on Russian territory and in the Black Sea. According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian military struck targets more than 1,300 kilometers from the front line, targeting oil infrastructure and the Russian fleet.