In a significant escalation targeting the core of the Russian economy, Ukraine has intensified its drone and missile strikes on Russian energy facilities, leading to increased pressure on Moscow in one of the most vital sectors for financing the war. Over a span of 11 months, Ukraine has conducted more than 160 attacks using over 330 drones, indicating that targeting energy resources has become a central strategic tool in the ongoing conflict between the two nations.

Specifically, Ukraine has focused on the port of Novorossiysk, the largest maritime outlet for Russian oil exports in the south on the Black Sea, with Ukrainian drones flying hundreds of kilometers to repeatedly strike oil storage tanks at the port. Additionally, Ukraine has attacked various oil facilities across several Russian regions, including refineries, storage facilities, and pipelines, reflecting Kyiv's strategy to undermine the energy infrastructure throughout the production and export chain.

The damage inflicted has not only been on storage or export facilities; the strikes have also impacted 21 oil refineries, which is equivalent to half of Russia's operational refineries necessary for refining essential oil derivatives to supply fuel. This tactic highlights Ukraine's commitment to destabilizing critical components of the Russian economy, potentially hindering its ability to sustain its military operations long-term.