KYIV – Russian forces have attacked more than 70 oil depots across Ukraine since the beginning of the full invasion, causing massive damage to critical fuel infrastructure and dealing a heavy blow to the national economy. According to fuel market expert Serhiy Kuyun, these targeted strikes continue to create extreme military risks for Ukrainian fuel companies, forcing many to shut down or abandon depots to avoid total losses.
Speaking during a briefing reported by UNN, Kuyun described the current situation in stark terms. “The challenge is one – military risks,” he said. “More than 70 oil depots and nearly all refineries have been attacked by the Russians. These strikes are ongoing. Just a few weeks ago, a major terminal in Odesa was hit. There were fuel losses worth millions of dollars – approximately USD 8 million to USD 10 million, which is around GBP 6.4 million to GBP 8 million.”
This deliberate targeting has forced numerous Ukrainian fuel firms to leave depots unused, aiming to reduce the chances of severe economic damage. Kuyun explained that avoiding concentrated fuel storage has become a necessary tactic in light of repeated and calculated Russian assaults.
The repeated bombings of oil infrastructure are viewed as part of a broader strategy by the Russian dictator to destabilise Ukraine through hybrid warfare – not only by direct military force but also by weakening Ukraine’s energy sector, logistics, and economy.
The current state of Ukraine’s fuel market remains fragile. Kuyun noted that in the first four months of 2025, there was a noticeable drop in diesel and liquefied gas consumption compared to the same period last year. Petrol saw a slight increase, but this was not enough to compensate for the overall market decline.
These figures reflect not just shifts in demand but a broader atmosphere of instability, as companies and civilians adjust to unpredictable supply routes and limited infrastructure. Kuyun stressed that the impact goes far beyond business losses. The attacks are crippling key sectors and pushing Ukraine’s fuel resilience to its limits.
With oil terminals regularly being targeted, Ukraine’s energy security remains in a state of constant alert.
