US Says Drone Strikes on Russia Hurt Fuel Supplies But Not Power
- About 14% of Russia’s refining capacity disrupted by attacks
- Kyiv aims to hit Russian fuel supplies and export revenues
In this photo taken from video released by Governor of Bryansk Region Alexander Bogomaz’s telegram channel, oil reservoirs ignite in flames after a Ukrainian drone struck an oil storage depot in the Bryansk Region of Russia.
Source: Governor of Bryansk Region Alexander Bogomaz telegram channel/AP PhotoUkraine’s drone strikes on Russian energy infrastructure earlier this year disrupted 14% of the country’s oil refining capacity and drove up domestic fuel prices, but had minimal impact on electricity output, the Pentagon’s intelligence agency said.
The loss of some Russian refining capacity pushed up domestic prices 20% to 30% by mid-March and triggered an export halt to focus on meeting domestic demand, according to an assessment by the Defense Intelligence Agency, which was summarized in a report released Thursday by the inspector general overseeing US aid to Ukraine.