Ukraine first began conducting regular strikes on Russian oil refineries in 2023, with strikes growing in both magnitude and frequency since. In the first five months of 2026, Kyiv has recorded 32 strikes, nearly surpassing the total number of refinery strikes recorded in 2024 at 34, the outlet noted.

Ukrainian drone strikes targeted key Russian oil infrastructure in May, with officials saying attacks forced six refineries to halt operations.

Ukraine has been ramping up its retaliatory long-range strikes on Russia in recent weeks, particularly targeting oil infrastructure.