Surge in Ukrainian oil refinery attacks sparks Russian fuel shortages

Ukraine has attacked refineries deep inside Russia, with Zelensky vowing to continue the strikes.

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Drone strikes on refineries - some deep inside Russia - soared in August and remained high in September, an analysis of Russian media reports and verified footage showed.

Some 21 of the country's 38 large refineries - where crude oil is converted into useable fuel like petrol and diesel - have been hit since January, with successful attacks already 48% higher than the whole of 2024.

Ordinary Russians appear to be feeling the impact of the strikes, with verified videos showing long queues at petrol stations. Some garages have suspended operations to "wait out the crisis" rather than work at a loss, one manager told Russian media.

Ukraine's security service, the SBU, did not respond to a request for comment. But President Volodymyr Zelensky has said damaging Russia's oil industry is a key means of forcing Russia to the negotiating table.