The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine is severely disrupting global food and fuel supplies. Over the summer, Russians faced fuel shortages, with long queues at gas stations easing only after Russia began importing fuel and repairing refineries. Meanwhile, Ukrainian farmers are forced to transport grains overland due to dangerous sea routes, while Russian farmers struggle to export their bumper crop due to halted Black Sea grain exports.
Both countries have escalated attacks on each other’s export industries over the past year. Russia targets Ukrainian ports, elevators, and warehouses, while Ukraine strikes Russian refineries, oil terminals, and grain hubs. These attacks highlight how a regional conflict can quickly become a global issue, affecting markets worldwide.
Ukraine’s drone and missile attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure have been described as “kinetic sanctions.” These strikes have pushed Russian oil-processing to multi-year lows, disrupted exports, and forced Moscow to ban most gasoline and diesel sales abroad. The International Energy Agency predicts Russian refinery runs will remain 30% below pre-war levels into 2027 if Ukraine continues its campaign.
Despite the economic strain, ordinary Russians are adapting to higher prices and periodic shortages. While fuel availability has improved in some regions, shortages persist in others. Ukrainian grain exports are also severely impacted, with attacks on storage and transport infrastructure complicating exports. The conflict’s economic toll is evident, demonstrating how smaller countries can fight back against larger aggressors through targeted strikes.