The Ukrainian army's tactical adjustments targeting Russian oil refineries have revealed Russia's weak points and sparked a new round of concerns about the safety of its oil facilities. Ukraine has repeatedly launched attacks on Russian oil facilities since Ukrainian forces used drones to attack the Volgograd oil refinery on February 3. This not only highlights the importance of oil to the Russian economy, but also shows Ukraine's strategic shift in the face of adverse frontal battlefield conditions.
Russia and Ukraine, two countries with a highly homogeneous economic structure, rely on oil and grain, respectively, as their main export commodities. The conflict between the two sides has further intensified against the backdrop of severe Western sanctions against Russia and restrictions on Ukrainian grain exports. Russia had retaliated by destroying Ukraine's port of Odessa, and Ukraine responded by attacking Russian oil facilities.
This Ukrainian strategy is a direct blow to the lifeblood of Russia's economy. The Black Sea is an important oil and gas export channel for Russia, and oil facilities near it have become Ukraine's top targets. Using long-range drones, the Ukrainian army effectively evaded Russia's air defense system and caused serious damage to key facilities such as oil refineries and oil storage depots.
In the face of Ukraine's tactical shift, Russia faces enormous challenges. In January this year, Russia's gasoline and diesel exports fell sharply, respectively, which directly affected its oil export earnings. To deal with this situation, Russia needs to take effective countermeasures, including strengthening the security of oil refineries, improving the effectiveness of air defense systems, and finding new oil export channels.
The attack of the Ukrainian army on Russian oil facilities is not only a blow to its economy, but also a threat to its strategic security. Russia needs to respond quickly and adjust its strategy to ensure the security of its oil facilities and the stability of its economy. At the same time, the international community should also pay attention to the impact of this conflict on the global energy market, and promote the two sides to resolve their differences through dialogue and negotiation to avoid further escalation of the conflict.