
Ukrainian Drone Strikes Dent Russia's Oil Industry, US Urges Kyiv to Halt Attacks
Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia's oil industry worry the US, fearing price hikes and Russian retaliation.

Recent drone strikes carried out by Ukraine have delivered a significant blow to Russia's oil and gas industry, resulting in a rare success for Ukraine. These attacks, which targeted refineries, storage depots, and other vital sites, have caused a 7% reduction in Russia's oil processing capacity, as reported by Reuters. This reduction has severely impacted an industry that Russia heavily relies on to fund its invasion of Ukraine.
Concerns from the US
Despite the setbacks faced by Russia, the United States has expressed apprehension regarding the ongoing drone strikes. The US is worried that these attacks could lead to an increase in oil prices, potentially causing wider economic ramifications. The Financial Times has reported that American officials are urging Ukraine to halt the strikes, raising concerns about the possibility of provoking retaliation from Russia.
Potential Ramifications
One of the primary concerns raised by the US is the potential for a surge in oil prices, which could have adverse effects on President Joe Biden's chances of reelection. Additionally, there is unease about the prospect of Russia retaliating by targeting energy infrastructure that the West relies on, such as the CPC pipeline, which transports oil from Kazakhstan to global markets.
Historical Context
This recent clash between Ukraine and the US is not the first instance of discord over Ukraine's war strategy. The US has previously cautioned Ukraine against targeting locations within Russian territory, fearing the possibility of retaliation. While the US has prohibited Ukraine from using US-donated weapons for such purposes, Ukraine has ramped up its production of its own weapons, including long-range attack drones, which are not subjected to these restrictions.
Challenges Faced by Ukraine
Amid the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian forces are grappling with intense Russian attacks. The country is also facing a severe ammunition shortage due to the blockage of a $60 billion aid bill by Republicans in Congress. Despite these challenges, Ukraine is utilizing drone strikes to strike deep into Russia, aiming to weaken its adversary from within its borders.
Evaluating the US Stance
There have been differing opinions on the logic behind the US stance, with some analysts questioning the potential impact of the attacks on oil prices in the US. Furthermore, there is speculation regarding the moral authority of the US to dictate Ukraine's warfare tactics amidst its struggle for survival.
"Absolutely outrageous if/if true. #Ukraine is fighting for its life. US should not be telling Kyiv what targets in #Russia it can or cannot strike with Ukraine's own weapons," expressed Steven Pifer, a former US ambassador to Ukraine.
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