Source: Fortune
Summary
Ukraine has increased its long-range attacks on Russian military industries and energy facilities, aiming to cut Moscow’s revenue and make Russians feel the consequences. The campaign has choked Russian fuel supplies and military deliveries, heaping pressure on the Kremlin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that two Russian refineries were hit during nighttime strikes, including one in the Krasnodar region that processes close to 4 million tons of crude per year. Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that the country is going through a “difficult period” but insisted that Moscow would “honor all its social obligations” to citizens.
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The numbers tell one story. Ukraine’s long-range attacks on Russian energy facilities have sparked fuel shortages and disrupted military deliveries. Putin’s acknowledgement of a “difficult period” comes as Moscow reviews fuel export agreements to prioritize domestic needs. The Kremlin’s calm tone contrasts with the reality of restricted fuel sales and closed roads. The situation is a familiar phase in the conflict, where economic pressure is used to negotiate. “Long-range sanctions” have become a new normal.
Author: Evan Null
