Ukraine's drone campaign hits Russian oil refineries 194 times in 2026, fuel crisis deepens

Ukraine has sharply intensified its long-range drone campaign against Russia, striking oil refineries and strategic energy facilities at least 194 times since the start of 2026, according to an analysis by the Financial Times and Polish defence consultancy Rochan Consulting.

The figure marks an 11-fold increase compared with the same period last year, highlighting Kyiv's growing ability to manufacture and deploy long-range attack drones.

Refineries become key targets

Ukraine's campaign has evolved from occasional cross-border strikes into a sustained effort targeting Russia's energy infrastructure.

According to the analysis, Ukrainian drones recorded 16 successful strikes on major oil refineries in May alone, the highest monthly total so far this year.

By the end of June, eight of Russia's ten largest oil refineries had reportedly suffered damage. Among the latest targets were Moscow's Kapotnya refinery and the Lukoil refinery in Kstovo, an important supplier of fuel to the Russian capital.

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Fuel shortages spread across Russia

The repeated attacks are beginning to affect Russia's domestic fuel market.

The report estimates that nearly a quarter of Russia's refining capacity has been disrupted, creating a fuel supply shortfall of around 15 per cent.

Several Russian regions have introduced limits on fuel sales, while motorists in some areas have faced long queues at petrol stations. In Russian-annexed Crimea, authorities have declared a state of emergency over fuel supplies and restricted private fuel sales to prioritise military needs.

Moscow acknowledges pressure

Russia says it is intercepting most incoming drones. According to the Defence Ministry, its forces shot down more than 63,900 Ukrainian drones during the first six months of 2026, with the highest numbers recorded in May and June.

Even so, enough drones have reached their targets to disrupt fuel production.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently acknowledged that the strikes had created "obvious problems" for domestic fuel supplies but insisted the situation remained under control and that damaged facilities were being repaired.