Key Points and Summary – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a significant escalation of the war, vowing to “expand the geography” and frequency of long-range strikes against Russia’s oil infrastructure.
-This military campaign, which is already inflicting a “tangible price” on Russia’s refining capacity, is being amplified by new U.S. and E.U. sanctions targeting firms like Rosneft and Lukoil.
Neptune Missile. Image Credit: Government of Ukraine.
-The combined pressure is reportedly working, with four major Chinese state-owned refiners temporarily halting Russian crude purchases and India scaling back, threatening the financial “arteries” of Putin’s war machine.
Ukraine to Escalate Attacks on Russian Energy
Ukraine says its campaign of long-range strikes against Russian oil infrastructure will intensify, signaling a new phase in its effort to hit the financial arteries of Moscow’s war machine.
On Monday, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Kyiv was preparing to broaden the range and frequency of its long-distance attacks after what he described as “tangible results” in degrading Russia’s oil refining capacity.
“We reviewed the effectiveness of our long-range strikes over a defined period,” Zelensky said in a post on X. “Russian oil refining is already paying a tangible price for the war—and will pay even more. We set tasks to expand the geography for the use of our long-range capabilities.”
Russia Under Pressure
The remarks come as Russia faces mounting economic pressure from Western sanctions targeting its energy exports.
Oil revenues remain central to the Kremlin’s war effort, funding both military operations and domestic stability.
China is still the largest purchaser of Russian oil, but new U.S. and European Union measures against major firms such as Rosneft and Lukoil have started to rattle the market.
According to Reuters, four major state-owned Chinese refiners have temporarily halted Russian crude purchases, while India has signaled it will scale back after Washington imposed a 25 percent tariff on imports from Moscow.
Since the outbreak of war in Ukraine in 2022, India has been Russia’s second-largest export market for crude oil. The combined effect threatens to tighten global supply even as Russia struggles to keep its refineries running amid repeated Ukrainian drone strikes.
Last week, President Vladimir Putin dismissed the Western sanctions as an “unfriendly act” but conceded they would have “certain consequences.”
He warned that any significant reduction in Russian oil exports could push global prices higher, arguing that “consumers at U.S. gas stations will feel the impact.”
Energy infrastructure is crucial to any country, but sanctions mean it is not just fuelling Russia’s civilian and war activities, but is propping up its entire economy. Over recent months, oil depots and processing plants have been struck by Ukrainian weaponry deep behind its frontlines with Russia.
Last month, a Russian fuel terminal in the Baltic was struck, while last week, a Ukrainian drone attack reportedly prompted power outages in Russia’s Belgorod Oblast.
What Happens Now?
Despite swirling reports that Washington had been preparing to offer Kyiv long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to aid its strikes within Russia, Zelensky recently met President Donald Trump without securing this deal.
This comes after Russia suggested such plans would mark an “escalation” in the conflict, which began with their invasion.
Ukraine continues to invest in domestic weapons manufacturing capacity and aims to secure further long-range systems from European partners.
Every time Ukraine inflicts damage to Russia’s economic capacity, it also chips away at Moscow’s ties to China and India.
About the Author: Georgia Gilholy
Georgia Gilholy is a journalist based in the United Kingdom who has been published in Newsweek, The Times of Israel, and the Spectator. Gilholy writes about international politics, culture, and education. You can follow her on X: @llggeorgia.
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Swamplaw Yankee
November 3, 2025 at 2:37 am
What is the point of pointless op-ed? Over recent months tens of thousands of Ukrainians have lost their ancient ancestoral homes and farms. Over recent months the meat grinder front trench Genocide Line steals more Ukrainian soil.
Until the above op-ed writer loses access to her abode, it all just mindlessly word washes over recent months. Over rent months, the sun strives to maintain its planetary rhythm and offer reliable daylight to the few remaining Ukrainian Fathers fighting on the meat grinder Genocide line the billions of humans comprising the “AXIS of Evil” that the cowards in the WEST refuse to.
All over recent months, as well! -30-