Ukrainian drone strikes deal major blow to Russia’s oil exports

Military and political observer Oleksandr Kovalenko discussed the matter on his Telegram channel.

According to him, these systematic strikes do more than cause temporary shutdowns — they permanently degrade infrastructure, pushing Russia’s energy sector toward collapse.

Before the full-scale invasion in 2022, oil and gas revenues made up nearly 40% of Russia’s budget. Now, major state-owned companies like Gazprom and Rosneft are struggling, with many subsidiaries facing bankruptcy. Notably, Ukraine has so far only targeted refineries, not gas distribution stations, meaning the damage could escalate further.

Despite spending billions on its war in Ukraine, the Kremlin is losing economically at an unsustainable rate. While Russia continues sacrificing soldiers for small territorial gains, its energy lifeline — the foundation of its economy — is being systematically dismantled. Without Western technology, reviving oil and gas production will be nearly impossible, and as long as occupied territories remain under Russian control, sanctions will not be lifted.

"As 2025 begins, Russia, once the world’s top gas producer and a major oil supplier, is on the path to becoming an energy-poor state. The question remains — was it worth it?" the onserver concludes.