Russia Is Losing the Energy War to Ukraine – The Telegraph
Russia is rapidly losing its advantage in the energy war against Ukraine, and its economic and military problems are growing increasingly severe. Recent Ukrainian drone strikes on oil refineries and tankers in the Black Sea region could mark a turning point, as nearly 60% of Russia’s oil refineries are now at risk of being put out of commission.
As a result, Moscow has already imposed a ban on fuel exports and is forced to import it.
This energy pressure is compounding an increasingly severe financial crisis in Russia, where—due to falling oil and gas revenues and rising subsidies—there is talk of the risk of a banking crisis in 2026. On the front lines, Russia continues to suffer heavy losses amid a decline in the rate of conscript recruitment, forcing the Kremlin to choose between military defeat and declaring a general mobilization, which risks triggering domestic protests. At the same time, Moscow’s attempts to divide NATO or sway the U.S. toward a position favorable to itself have failed, and if these trends continue, they could lead to serious political challenges for Russia.
Gas prices in Russia are hitting record highs due to intensified strikes on oil refineries, according to the ISW.
The Russian Red Cross has begun building up additional stockpiles of humanitarian aid for the temporarily occupied Crimea and Sevastopol following the declaration of a state of emergency on the peninsula.
On the temporarily occupied Crimean Peninsula, local residents report prolonged power outages, fuel shortages, rising prices, and problems with social infrastructure. According to them, the situation is particularly dire in the northern regions of the peninsula.
As a reminder, Ukraine has claimed to have struck 19 Russian tankers carrying fuel for Crimea.
