Recent Ukrainian drone strikes have significantly impacted Russia’s oil refining capacity, reportedly disabling 20-40% of its facilities. According to Professor Veli-Pekka Tynkkynen, these attacks strike at the core of Russia’s identity politics, which are heavily reliant on fossil fuel revenue. The damage is expected to force Russia to export more crude oil at potentially lower prices to maintain income. This strategy aims to economically pressure Russia by disrupting its energy sector, a key component of its economy and political standing. Assessments of the damage align with reports from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi and sources cited by Reuters. The attacks highlight Ukraine’s strategy of targeting Russia’s energy infrastructure to weaken its war effort.