The New Energy Stalemate in Ukraine
The Trump administration has demanded that Ukraine suspend attacks on Russian refineries, while Kyiv has continued drone strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, including mid-October attacks on an oil terminal in St. Petersburg and gas processing plants in Surgut and Novy Urengoy. Since mid-2025, Ukrainian drone strikes have reduced Russian refinery throughput by roughly 30 percent, and Russia has intensified its own campaign, including an October 19 barrage that damaged more than ten energy facilities. DiXi Group estimated that Russia launched 12,800 missiles and drones at Ukrainian energy facilities in 2025 and early 2026, compared with 2,800 during the first three years of the war combined.
Why it matters: The article frames energy infrastructure as a central and reciprocal target in the war, making energy security the briefing’s relevant theme.