The drone attack on the Kirishi refinery in Russia took place for the third time on November 3, 2023. This refinery, with a processing capacity of 20 million tons of crude oil per year, accounts for about 7% of Russia's total refining capacity. According to local sources, this attack once again highlights the escalating tensions in the energy sector between Russia and Ukraine.
Background of Attacks on Energy Infrastructure
Attacks on Russia's energy infrastructure have intensified in recent months. The attack on the Kirishi refinery is part of a series of attacks on the country's major oil refineries. In May and September, the Kirishi refinery was also shut down due to similar attacks.
According to local sources, this attack on the Kirishi refinery comes at a time when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly emphasized that attacks on Russia's energy sector will continue with vigor. It appears that these attacks are being carried out not only as a military action but also as a tool to exert pressure on the Moscow government in order to weaken the country's energy infrastructure.
Dimensions and Consequences of the Attacks
In less than two weeks, this is the seventh major Russian refinery to be targeted. In addition to the Kirishi refinery, the Novokuybyshevsk, Ufa, Kstovo refineries, the Samara oil pumping station, and the Yaroslavl and Saratov refineries have also been attacked during this period. These attacks could have significant impacts on energy supply and oil prices in global markets.
Given the current situation, analysts believe that these attacks could be used as a strategy by Ukraine to weaken Russia's economic capabilities during the war, especially since energy infrastructure is considered one of the key vulnerabilities in the Russian economy.
In late October, former U.S. President Donald Trump had requested the warring parties not to attack each other's energy infrastructure, but this request has clearly been ignored. With the continuation of these attacks, it remains to be seen how the oil market and global policies will react to these developments.
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