Russia systematically destroys Ukraine's oil industry: the goal is to eliminate key exports

Shelling of Ukraine's oil and fat industry

According to Главком: The Russian Federation systematically shells enterprises of Ukraine's oil and fat industry with the aim of destroying this key industry. Such shelling leads to significant production losses, which can have serious consequences for the country's economy. The oil industry accounts for over 15% of foreign exchange earnings and about 20% of Ukraine's commodity exports, making it an important component of the national economy.

Oil exports and the impact of war

By 2025, Ukraine was planned to be the largest exporter of oil in the world. In 2024, the country exported nearly 6 million tons of oil worth $5.1 billion. At the same time, Russia exported 4.5 million tons of oil for $4.4 billion in the same year. The forecast for the 2025-2026 season indicates that Russia may export 4.4 million tons of oil, while Ukraine – 4.2 million tons.

The systematic nature of the attacks is confirmed by specialist Stepan Kapshuk, who notes that the strikes by the Russian Federation on the oil industry have a systematic character. In particular, recently, the Dnipropetrovsk oil extraction plant was attacked by drones, resulting in the spillage of 300 tons of oil. Additionally, at the end of December, Russian forces struck several Ukrainian oil extraction plants. These actions indicate Russia's intention to destroy an important sector of the Ukrainian economy and harm the country's key exports.

The situation in Ukraine's oil and fat industry, amid war, highlights the vulnerability of the country's economy to external threats.

The destruction of enterprises in this industry will not only affect foreign currency inflows but may also impact food security in Ukraine and the region. The importance of the oil industry for the Ukrainian economy makes it a target in the aggressor's strategic plans, which emphasizes the need to protect this sector and seek alternative ways to support exports.