Defence Forces strike 13 Russian oil and gas facilities since start of year
Ukraine’s Defence Forces carried out more than 40 precision strikes on critical infrastructure inside Russia in January and February 2026, targeting 13 oil refineries, oil depots and gas terminals.
According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence, the operations form part of a strategic plan initiated by Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov aimed at maximising the depletion of the aggressor’s economic resources and creating the largest possible shortfall in Russia’s budget.
Strikes on fuel and energy facilities not only limit the Kremlin’s foreign currency revenues but also directly disrupt fuel supply logistics for Russian forces operating in southern and eastern Ukraine.
The geography of the strikes has included both border regions and deep rear areas, including facilities in Tatarstan and the Caspian Sea area. Among the key targets reportedly hit were the Ilsky and Volgograd oil refineries, which supply fuel to Russian forces in Crimea and on the eastern front, as well as the Oskolnaftosnab depot in the Belgorod region and the Zhutovskaya oil depot near Volgograd.
Other reported targets included drilling platforms belonging to Lukoil, the Almetyevsk oil treatment facility, and the Naftogorsky gas processing plant in the Samara region.
The Ministry of Defence stressed that cutting oil and gas revenues significantly reduces Russia’s capacity to manufacture missiles and drones and to finance military contracts. Each successful strike on an oil refinery or on the Tamanneftegaz terminal, it said, contributes to fuel shortages at the frontline and forces Russia to divert internal resources to repair complex technological infrastructure.
Further implementation of the strategy envisages the systematic destruction of military-industrial and logistical hubs in order to undermine the enemy’s war potential.
The Defence Forces also struck a space communications centre and enemy air defence facilities.
Powerful explosions were previously reported at the Belbek Airfield in Crimea. In addition, drones attacked the Ilsky oil refinery and Sevastopol.
