Ukraine Strikes Russian Refineries Hours After US Lifts Oil Sanctions Waiver
Ukraine launched fresh strikes on Russian oil infrastructure just hours after the U.S. moved to allow more Russian oil onto global markets.
The timing is intensifying scrutiny as Kyiv targets the same revenue streams Washington appears to be partially reopening.
According to Reuters, Ukrainian drones hit refineries in Russia’s Samara region, a fuel depot in Crimea, and the Vysotsk oil terminal near St. Petersburg. Fires were reported at multiple sites, and Russian officials confirmed damage to energy facilities.
The attacks followed a U.S. decision to extend a sanctions waiver permitting continued purchases of Russian oil through mid-May, a reversal of earlier statements that no extension would be granted, according to AP News.
A Ukrainian drone commander said the waiver risks undermining efforts to weaken Moscow’s war funding.
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The overlap highlights a growing tension between battlefield strategy and global energy policy, as Russia’s oil revenues recently surged to roughly $19 billion in a single month, according to international energy data cited by The Wall Street Journal.
Ukraine has increasingly focused on oil infrastructure as a pressure point, aiming to disrupt exports that help finance the war.
The U.S. decision, driven by global supply concerns tied to the Iran conflict, is drawing criticism from allies who argue it could offset the impact of Ukrainian strikes.
Further attacks and policy reactions are expected as both sides adjust strategy around energy flows.
The situation is evolving as military and economic pressures converge.
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