Russia's Oil Refining Hits 24-Year Low as Ukraine Drone Campaign Continues

Russian crude processing plummeted to its lowest level in over two decades in July due to Ukraine's expanded drone campaign targeting refineries, tankers, pipelines, and export infrastructure.

According to Bloomberg analysis cited by The Moscow Times, Russian refineries processed an estimated 3.6 million barrels per day in July, the lowest monthly level since May 2002 and roughly one-third below the seasonal average.

The Ukrainian drone campaign surpassed its previous monthly record of 17 attacks set in May, with 18 Russian refineries struck in July. Targets included the 440,000-barrel-per-day Omsk refinery, Russia's largest, over 2,500 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.

Ukrainian drones also attacked five large oil tankers, five pieces of port infrastructure, and two pipelines during the month. Bloomberg counted 30 attacks on Russia's oil infrastructure in July, the second-highest monthly total since the full-scale invasion began.