Sergey Vakulenko and Vyacheslav Shiryaev Debate the Impact of Ukrainian Drone Strikes on Russian Oil Refining
Russian oil refineries have faced significant pressure from Ukrainian drone strikes, leading to a debate between experts Sergey Vakulenko and Vyacheslav Shiryaev regarding the extent of the damage. Sergey Vakulenko estimated that refining output has fallen by 25–28%, while Vyacheslav Shiryaev argued that 65–70% of Russia’s oil refining capacity has been knocked out. The strikes have caused widespread gas shortages and long lines at stations across Russia, even affecting the well-supplied Moscow region. Fuel rationing is currently in place nationwide. Vyacheslav Shiryaev noted that drivers spend more time waiting in lines than driving, while Sergey Vakulenko suggested that Ukraine has the physical capacity to stop gasoline production in the European part of Russia. Recent strikes have caused fires at several locations, including the Kirishinefteorgsintez oil refinery in the Leningrad Oblast and an oil refinery in the Yeysk seaport. In Bryansk, a drone attack caused an explosion near apartment buildings, occurring close to the Bryansk Electromechanical Plant and the Bryansk Automobile Plant.
Sources
-
Is Russia’s fuel crisis a temporary squeeze or the collapse of an industry? Two leading economists debated the question, unable to agree on how much refining capacity is left.
Meduza
-
Putin Hit by Record Disaster as Humiliating Crisis Escalates
The Daily Beast
-
Drones attack Russia’s Leningrad region and Bryansk overnight
Ukrinform