Ukraine's Drones Hit 20% of Russian Oil — Economic Downturn Intensifies

In April 2026, Ukraine's assault using drones and maritime drones on Russian oil facilities escalated to an unprecedented level, with a minimum of 21 attacks targeting refineries, export terminals, vessels, and pipeline pumping stations — marking the highest monthly figure since December and driving Russian refinery operations to their lowest point in over 16 years. Throughout late March and April, Ukraine targeted 20 refineries and export terminals, including those located at Ust-Luga and Primorsk. Analysts from the US and Europe estimate that since early 2024, around 20 percent of Russia's overall refining capability has been either damaged or obliterated, prompting a reduction in oil output by 300,000 to 400,000 barrels daily — the steepest monthly decline in six years — resulting in significant financial losses for Moscow.