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ua50Black Sea grain trade collapses as Russia and Ukraine trade strikes, raising food crisis fears
Background: Since mid-July, Russian missile and drone strikes on civilian cargo ships have brought Ukraine's Black Sea grain corridor to a near-standstill, with the UN Security Council convening an emergency meeting and a sailor killed on August 6. Today: The mutual attacks have effectively shut down Black Sea trade corridors, with Russia targeting dozens of merchant ships and Ukraine striking Russian shipping in the Sea of Azov, halting Kerch Strait transit. Ukraine's grain exports have fallen by a third, and shipping costs have doubled. Ukraine has appealed to the UN for help, while experts warn of a potential global food crisis as severe as 2022 by autumn. As of late July, Russia's attacks on Ukrainian ports and shipping have cut Ukraine's grain exports by roughly a third and doubled freight costs. The Turkish-owned bulk carrier Golden Leo, struck on July 19, sank on July 27, killing 10. Ukraine's agricultural sector faces direct export revenue losses of $1.5–3 billion this year. Ukraine appealed to the UN on July 27 to facilitate safe transit, accusing Russia of war crimes and economic terror. Unlike the 2022 blockade, the current disruption is driven by direct strikes on ships, causing a market collapse due to risk and insurance costs rather than a physical siege. Alternative routes via Danube and Central Europe can handle at most half of the lost capacity, with additional costs of $45–50 per ton. Ukraine's own drone strikes on Russian shipping in the Sea of Azov have halted Kerch Strait transit and reduced Russian wheat exports in July to 1.8 million tons, down 83% year-on-year, while Novorossiysk is virtually idle. Global grain markets remain jittery, with experts warning of a potential food crisis as severe as 2022 by autumn.
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Black Sea grain trade collapses as Russia and Ukraine trade strikes, raising food crisis fears
Background: Since mid-July, Russian missile and drone strikes on civilian cargo ships have brought Ukraine's Black Sea grain corridor to a near-standstill, with the UN Security Council convening an emergency meeting and a sailor killed on August 6. Today: The mutual attacks have effectively shut down Black Sea trade corridors, with Russia targeting dozens of merchant ships and Ukraine striking Russian shipping in the Sea of Azov, halting Kerch Strait transit. Ukraine's grain exports have fallen by a third, and shipping costs have doubled. Ukraine has appealed to the UN for help, while experts warn of a potential global food crisis as severe as 2022 by autumn. As of late July, Russia's attacks on Ukrainian ports and shipping have cut Ukraine's grain exports by roughly a third and doubled freight costs. The Turkish-owned bulk carrier Golden Leo, struck on July 19, sank on July 27, killing 10. Ukraine's agricultural sector faces direct export revenue losses of $1.5–3 billion this year. Ukraine appealed to the UN on July 27 to facilitate safe transit, accusing Russia of war crimes and economic terror. Unlike the 2022 blockade, the current disruption is driven by direct strikes on ships, causing a market collapse due to risk and insurance costs rather than a physical siege. Alternative routes via Danube and Central Europe can handle at most half of the lost capacity, with additional costs of $45–50 per ton. Ukraine's own drone strikes on Russian shipping in the Sea of Azov have halted Kerch Strait transit and reduced Russian wheat exports in July to 1.8 million tons, down 83% year-on-year, while Novorossiysk is virtually idle. Global grain markets remain jittery, with experts warning of a potential food crisis as severe as 2022 by autumn.
Background: Since mid-July, Russian missile and drone strikes on civilian cargo ships have brought Ukraine's Black Sea grain corridor to a near-standstill, with the UN Security Council convening an emergency meeting and a sailor killed on August 6. Today: The mutual attacks have effectively shut down Black Sea trade corridors, with Russia targeting dozens of merchant ships and Ukraine striking Russian shipping in the Sea of Azov, halting Kerch Strait transit. Ukraine's grain exports have fallen by a third, and shipping costs have doubled. Ukraine has appealed to the UN for help, while experts warn of a potential global food crisis as severe as 2022 by autumn. As of late July, Russia's attacks on Ukrainian ports and shipping have cut Ukraine's grain exports by roughly a third and doubled freight costs. The Turkish-owned bulk carrier Golden Leo, struck on July 19, sank on July 27, killing 10. Ukraine's agricultural sector faces direct export revenue losses of $1.5–3 billion this year. Ukraine appealed to the UN on July 27 to facilitate safe transit, accusing Russia of war crimes and economic terror. Unlike the 2022 blockade, the current disruption is driven by direct strikes on ships, causing a market collapse due to risk and insurance costs rather than a physical siege. Alternative routes via Danube and Central Europe can handle at most half of the lost capacity, with additional costs of $45–50 per ton. Ukraine's own drone strikes on Russian shipping in the Sea of Azov have halted Kerch Strait transit and reduced Russian wheat exports in July to 1.8 million tons, down 83% year-on-year, while Novorossiysk is virtually idle. Global grain markets remain jittery, with experts warning of a potential food crisis as severe as 2022 by autumn.
ua48Black Sea attacks intensify, killing sailor and disrupting grain exports
Background: Since mid-July, Russian missile and drone strikes on civilian cargo ships have brought Ukraine's Black Sea grain corridor to a near-standstill, with no ships passing through on July 22 and the UN Security Council convening an emergency meeting. Today: On August 6, a Russian attack on a Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo ship loaded with Ukrainian wheat killed one sailor and injured three, highlighting the ongoing threat to civilian shipping. The attacks have halted commercial traffic at Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Yuzhny, with Maersk suspending services and alternative routes unable to compensate. The UN and World Food Programme warn of deepening global food insecurity, while shipping costs and insurance premiums surge. As of August 6-7, 2026, the Black Sea grain corridor remains effectively halted, with Ukrainian ports in Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Yuzhny seeing commercial traffic largely stopped since mid-July. On August 6, a Russian attack on a Guinea-Bissau-flagged dry cargo ship loaded with Ukrainian wheat killed one Ukrainian sailor and injured three crew members; the vessel's hull was damaged and a fire broke out, with the crew evacuated. Ukrainian officials condemned the strike as systematic terror threatening global food security. The UN and World Food Programme warned of deepening food insecurity if attacks continue. Russia's attacks on Odesa region ports have disrupted over 90% of Ukraine's agricultural exports, with alternative land and river routes unable to handle more than half the usual volume until at least the end of August. Maersk suspended its feeder service via Chornomorsk, rerouting cargo to Constanta. Russia's grain export terminals at Taman were also attacked, and shipping restrictions in the Sea of Azov since July 10 have slowed operations at Novorossiysk and Tuapse. The escalation has driven up shipping costs and war insurance premiums, with Black Sea oil tanker rates jumping to over $300,000 per day. Ukraine's export capacity has dropped by at least a third, and traders have lost 500,000-700,000 metric tons of grain deliveries.
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Black Sea attacks intensify, killing sailor and disrupting grain exports
Background: Since mid-July, Russian missile and drone strikes on civilian cargo ships have brought Ukraine's Black Sea grain corridor to a near-standstill, with no ships passing through on July 22 and the UN Security Council convening an emergency meeting. Today: On August 6, a Russian attack on a Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo ship loaded with Ukrainian wheat killed one sailor and injured three, highlighting the ongoing threat to civilian shipping. The attacks have halted commercial traffic at Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Yuzhny, with Maersk suspending services and alternative routes unable to compensate. The UN and World Food Programme warn of deepening global food insecurity, while shipping costs and insurance premiums surge. As of August 6-7, 2026, the Black Sea grain corridor remains effectively halted, with Ukrainian ports in Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Yuzhny seeing commercial traffic largely stopped since mid-July. On August 6, a Russian attack on a Guinea-Bissau-flagged dry cargo ship loaded with Ukrainian wheat killed one Ukrainian sailor and injured three crew members; the vessel's hull was damaged and a fire broke out, with the crew evacuated. Ukrainian officials condemned the strike as systematic terror threatening global food security. The UN and World Food Programme warned of deepening food insecurity if attacks continue. Russia's attacks on Odesa region ports have disrupted over 90% of Ukraine's agricultural exports, with alternative land and river routes unable to handle more than half the usual volume until at least the end of August. Maersk suspended its feeder service via Chornomorsk, rerouting cargo to Constanta. Russia's grain export terminals at Taman were also attacked, and shipping restrictions in the Sea of Azov since July 10 have slowed operations at Novorossiysk and Tuapse. The escalation has driven up shipping costs and war insurance premiums, with Black Sea oil tanker rates jumping to over $300,000 per day. Ukraine's export capacity has dropped by at least a third, and traders have lost 500,000-700,000 metric tons of grain deliveries.
Background: Since mid-July, Russian missile and drone strikes on civilian cargo ships have brought Ukraine's Black Sea grain corridor to a near-standstill, with no ships passing through on July 22 and the UN Security Council convening an emergency meeting. Today: On August 6, a Russian attack on a Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo ship loaded with Ukrainian wheat killed one sailor and injured three, highlighting the ongoing threat to civilian shipping. The attacks have halted commercial traffic at Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Yuzhny, with Maersk suspending services and alternative routes unable to compensate. The UN and World Food Programme warn of deepening global food insecurity, while shipping costs and insurance premiums surge. As of August 6-7, 2026, the Black Sea grain corridor remains effectively halted, with Ukrainian ports in Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Yuzhny seeing commercial traffic largely stopped since mid-July. On August 6, a Russian attack on a Guinea-Bissau-flagged dry cargo ship loaded with Ukrainian wheat killed one Ukrainian sailor and injured three crew members; the vessel's hull was damaged and a fire broke out, with the crew evacuated. Ukrainian officials condemned the strike as systematic terror threatening global food security. The UN and World Food Programme warned of deepening food insecurity if attacks continue. Russia's attacks on Odesa region ports have disrupted over 90% of Ukraine's agricultural exports, with alternative land and river routes unable to handle more than half the usual volume until at least the end of August. Maersk suspended its feeder service via Chornomorsk, rerouting cargo to Constanta. Russia's grain export terminals at Taman were also attacked, and shipping restrictions in the Sea of Azov since July 10 have slowed operations at Novorossiysk and Tuapse. The escalation has driven up shipping costs and war insurance premiums, with Black Sea oil tanker rates jumping to over $300,000 per day. Ukraine's export capacity has dropped by at least a third, and traders have lost 500,000-700,000 metric tons of grain deliveries.
ua48Ukraine Escalates Strikes on Russian Shipping
Background: Ukraine has been conducting military strikes on Crimea to sever Russian supply lines, targeting military sites, energy infrastructure, and the Kerch bridge. Today: Ukraine has intensified its strikes on Russian shipping, broadening the conflict at sea. This escalation aims to disrupt Russian logistics and economic interests, potentially affecting global shipping routes and regional security. Recent developments: Ukraine has further escalated its strikes on Russian shipping, expanding its campaign beyond Crimea to target Russian vessels and maritime logistics. This intensification is part of a broader strategy to disrupt Russian supply chains and economic interests, with potential implications for global shipping routes and regional security.
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Ukraine Escalates Strikes on Russian Shipping
Background: Ukraine has been conducting military strikes on Crimea to sever Russian supply lines, targeting military sites, energy infrastructure, and the Kerch bridge. Today: Ukraine has intensified its strikes on Russian shipping, broadening the conflict at sea. This escalation aims to disrupt Russian logistics and economic interests, potentially affecting global shipping routes and regional security. Recent developments: Ukraine has further escalated its strikes on Russian shipping, expanding its campaign beyond Crimea to target Russian vessels and maritime logistics. This intensification is part of a broader strategy to disrupt Russian supply chains and economic interests, with potential implications for global shipping routes and regional security.
Background: Ukraine has been conducting military strikes on Crimea to sever Russian supply lines, targeting military sites, energy infrastructure, and the Kerch bridge. Today: Ukraine has intensified its strikes on Russian shipping, broadening the conflict at sea. This escalation aims to disrupt Russian logistics and economic interests, potentially affecting global shipping routes and regional security. Recent developments: Ukraine has further escalated its strikes on Russian shipping, expanding its campaign beyond Crimea to target Russian vessels and maritime logistics. This intensification is part of a broader strategy to disrupt Russian supply chains and economic interests, with potential implications for global shipping routes and regional security.
ua45Russian drone attacks kill two civilians and injure dozens across southern Ukraine
On August 6-7, 2026, Russian forces conducted a series of drone and artillery strikes across southern Ukraine, killing at least two civilians and injuring dozens. In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, a 55-year-old woman died after an FPV drone struck Kushuhum, and 10 people were injured in nearly 1,000 attacks on 56 settlements. In Kherson Oblast, a 77-year-old woman was killed by a Molniya drone near Nova Kuban, and at least 22 civilians were injured in strikes on Kherson city and villages, including FPV drone attacks on two buses. A 21-year-old man was also injured in Vysokopillia. The attacks targeted civilian infrastructure, including homes, hospitals, and vehicles, and have prompted war crimes investigations.
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Russian drone attacks kill two civilians and injure dozens across southern Ukraine
On August 6-7, 2026, Russian forces conducted a series of drone and artillery strikes across southern Ukraine, killing at least two civilians and injuring dozens. In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, a 55-year-old woman died after an FPV drone struck Kushuhum, and 10 people were injured in nearly 1,000 attacks on 56 settlements. In Kherson Oblast, a 77-year-old woman was killed by a Molniya drone near Nova Kuban, and at least 22 civilians were injured in strikes on Kherson city and villages, including FPV drone attacks on two buses. A 21-year-old man was also injured in Vysokopillia. The attacks targeted civilian infrastructure, including homes, hospitals, and vehicles, and have prompted war crimes investigations.
On August 6-7, 2026, Russian forces conducted a series of drone and artillery strikes across southern Ukraine, killing at least two civilians and injuring dozens. In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, a 55-year-old woman died after an FPV drone struck Kushuhum, and 10 people were injured in nearly 1,000 attacks on 56 settlements. In Kherson Oblast, a 77-year-old woman was killed by a Molniya drone near Nova Kuban, and at least 22 civilians were injured in strikes on Kherson city and villages, including FPV drone attacks on two buses. A 21-year-old man was also injured in Vysokopillia. The attacks targeted civilian infrastructure, including homes, hospitals, and vehicles, and have prompted war crimes investigations.
ua45Ukraine's Caspian Strike Escalates as Iran Weighs Retaliation, US Negotiations Deter Response
Background: Ukraine struck an Iranian cargo vessel in the Caspian Sea, killing a sailor, and Iran threatened retaliation. Diplomatic talks between the foreign ministers of Ukraine and Iran followed, with Iran demanding compensation and Ukraine calling the strike unintentional. Today: New details reveal the strike also targeted Russian vessels and an oil platform, and Iran considered a ballistic missile response but was deterred by US-Iran negotiations. The incident has eroded the Caspian's status as a safe rear area for Russia and Iran, affecting transport corridors and regional security. The July 25 strike also targeted Russian cargo vessels Port Olya-2 and Begey, a missile boat escorting them, and an offshore oil platform, according to Ukraine's Security Service. The Iranian vessel Ana was not in the initial announcement. The strike occurred over 700 km from Ukraine's border. Iran considered a ballistic missile response against a Ukrainian port but was deterred by diplomatic contacts and the US-Iran negotiation track, which included a memorandum on reopening Hormuz, sanctions relief, and frozen assets. Iran has since tried to reframe the incident as an Israeli plot to draw Europe into the war, a claim without evidence. The Caspian's role as a safe rear area for Russia and Iran has eroded, with war-risk premiums rising and the North-South Transport Corridor losing ground to the Middle Corridor. The 2018 Caspian convention does not address long-range strikes from non-littoral states, leaving littoral states without legal recourse. Russia's response focuses on reinforcing air defense and escort measures rather than retaliation.
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Ukraine's Caspian Strike Escalates as Iran Weighs Retaliation, US Negotiations Deter Response
Background: Ukraine struck an Iranian cargo vessel in the Caspian Sea, killing a sailor, and Iran threatened retaliation. Diplomatic talks between the foreign ministers of Ukraine and Iran followed, with Iran demanding compensation and Ukraine calling the strike unintentional. Today: New details reveal the strike also targeted Russian vessels and an oil platform, and Iran considered a ballistic missile response but was deterred by US-Iran negotiations. The incident has eroded the Caspian's status as a safe rear area for Russia and Iran, affecting transport corridors and regional security. The July 25 strike also targeted Russian cargo vessels Port Olya-2 and Begey, a missile boat escorting them, and an offshore oil platform, according to Ukraine's Security Service. The Iranian vessel Ana was not in the initial announcement. The strike occurred over 700 km from Ukraine's border. Iran considered a ballistic missile response against a Ukrainian port but was deterred by diplomatic contacts and the US-Iran negotiation track, which included a memorandum on reopening Hormuz, sanctions relief, and frozen assets. Iran has since tried to reframe the incident as an Israeli plot to draw Europe into the war, a claim without evidence. The Caspian's role as a safe rear area for Russia and Iran has eroded, with war-risk premiums rising and the North-South Transport Corridor losing ground to the Middle Corridor. The 2018 Caspian convention does not address long-range strikes from non-littoral states, leaving littoral states without legal recourse. Russia's response focuses on reinforcing air defense and escort measures rather than retaliation.
Background: Ukraine struck an Iranian cargo vessel in the Caspian Sea, killing a sailor, and Iran threatened retaliation. Diplomatic talks between the foreign ministers of Ukraine and Iran followed, with Iran demanding compensation and Ukraine calling the strike unintentional. Today: New details reveal the strike also targeted Russian vessels and an oil platform, and Iran considered a ballistic missile response but was deterred by US-Iran negotiations. The incident has eroded the Caspian's status as a safe rear area for Russia and Iran, affecting transport corridors and regional security. The July 25 strike also targeted Russian cargo vessels Port Olya-2 and Begey, a missile boat escorting them, and an offshore oil platform, according to Ukraine's Security Service. The Iranian vessel Ana was not in the initial announcement. The strike occurred over 700 km from Ukraine's border. Iran considered a ballistic missile response against a Ukrainian port but was deterred by diplomatic contacts and the US-Iran negotiation track, which included a memorandum on reopening Hormuz, sanctions relief, and frozen assets. Iran has since tried to reframe the incident as an Israeli plot to draw Europe into the war, a claim without evidence. The Caspian's role as a safe rear area for Russia and Iran has eroded, with war-risk premiums rising and the North-South Transport Corridor losing ground to the Middle Corridor. The 2018 Caspian convention does not address long-range strikes from non-littoral states, leaving littoral states without legal recourse. Russia's response focuses on reinforcing air defense and escort measures rather than retaliation.
ua44Ukraine reports 233 combat clashes on August 7, heaviest fighting in Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka sectors
On August 7, 2026, the Ukrainian General Staff reported 233 combat clashes over the past day, with the heaviest fighting in the Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka sectors. Russian forces launched one missile strike, 91 air strikes with 308 guided bombs, and deployed 10,621 kamikaze drones, while conducting 3,176 attacks on populated areas and Ukrainian positions. Ukrainian forces struck two UAV command posts, six artillery systems, and 18 areas of enemy personnel concentration. Russian combat losses over the past day were estimated at 1,210 personnel, along with one tank, 11 armored vehicles, 67 artillery systems, and three air defense systems. Fighting also occurred on the Northern and Southern Slobozhanshchyna, Kupiansk, Lyman, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, Oleksandrivka, Huliaipole, and Orikhiv axes, with no offensive operations on the Prydniprovske front.
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Ukraine reports 233 combat clashes on August 7, heaviest fighting in Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka sectors
On August 7, 2026, the Ukrainian General Staff reported 233 combat clashes over the past day, with the heaviest fighting in the Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka sectors. Russian forces launched one missile strike, 91 air strikes with 308 guided bombs, and deployed 10,621 kamikaze drones, while conducting 3,176 attacks on populated areas and Ukrainian positions. Ukrainian forces struck two UAV command posts, six artillery systems, and 18 areas of enemy personnel concentration. Russian combat losses over the past day were estimated at 1,210 personnel, along with one tank, 11 armored vehicles, 67 artillery systems, and three air defense systems. Fighting also occurred on the Northern and Southern Slobozhanshchyna, Kupiansk, Lyman, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, Oleksandrivka, Huliaipole, and Orikhiv axes, with no offensive operations on the Prydniprovske front.
On August 7, 2026, the Ukrainian General Staff reported 233 combat clashes over the past day, with the heaviest fighting in the Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka sectors. Russian forces launched one missile strike, 91 air strikes with 308 guided bombs, and deployed 10,621 kamikaze drones, while conducting 3,176 attacks on populated areas and Ukrainian positions. Ukrainian forces struck two UAV command posts, six artillery systems, and 18 areas of enemy personnel concentration. Russian combat losses over the past day were estimated at 1,210 personnel, along with one tank, 11 armored vehicles, 67 artillery systems, and three air defense systems. Fighting also occurred on the Northern and Southern Slobozhanshchyna, Kupiansk, Lyman, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, Oleksandrivka, Huliaipole, and Orikhiv axes, with no offensive operations on the Prydniprovske front.
ua43Russian troops execute another captured Ukrainian defender in Donetsk region
Background: On July 13, 2026, Russian forces captured and executed a Ukrainian soldier near Yalta in Donetsk Oblast, prompting a war crime investigation. Today: On July 22, 2026, Russian forces attacked Ukrainian positions near Myrne in the Volnovakha district, captured a Ukrainian defender, and executed him. The Donetsk Regional Prosecutor's Office has opened a pre-trial investigation under Part 2 of Article 438 of Ukraine's Criminal Code (war crime resulting in death). Investigators are working to identify the Russian military personnel responsible. This incident follows a similar execution near Yalta on July 13, 2026, marking another grave breach of the Geneva Conventions.
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Russian troops execute another captured Ukrainian defender in Donetsk region
Background: On July 13, 2026, Russian forces captured and executed a Ukrainian soldier near Yalta in Donetsk Oblast, prompting a war crime investigation. Today: On July 22, 2026, Russian forces attacked Ukrainian positions near Myrne in the Volnovakha district, captured a Ukrainian defender, and executed him. The Donetsk Regional Prosecutor's Office has opened a pre-trial investigation under Part 2 of Article 438 of Ukraine's Criminal Code (war crime resulting in death). Investigators are working to identify the Russian military personnel responsible. This incident follows a similar execution near Yalta on July 13, 2026, marking another grave breach of the Geneva Conventions.
Background: On July 13, 2026, Russian forces captured and executed a Ukrainian soldier near Yalta in Donetsk Oblast, prompting a war crime investigation. Today: On July 22, 2026, Russian forces attacked Ukrainian positions near Myrne in the Volnovakha district, captured a Ukrainian defender, and executed him. The Donetsk Regional Prosecutor's Office has opened a pre-trial investigation under Part 2 of Article 438 of Ukraine's Criminal Code (war crime resulting in death). Investigators are working to identify the Russian military personnel responsible. This incident follows a similar execution near Yalta on July 13, 2026, marking another grave breach of the Geneva Conventions.
ua43Ukrainian drone strikes force Russia to import gasoline from Morocco and other countries
Background: Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries have caused widespread fuel shortages and rationing across Russia since early 2026, affecting 56 regions and Crimea. New development: Russia has been forced to import gasoline from as far as Morocco, with a cargo loaded at Tangier and discharged at Murmansk in mid-July, alongside imports by rail from Belarus and Kazakhstan and by sea from India. Moscow now subsidizes both domestic refineries and foreign fuel imports, with fuel subsidies reaching 1.221 trillion rubles ($15 billion) from April through July. Russian crude processing fell to 3.6 million barrels per day in July, the lowest since 2002, with at least 24 of 34 largest refineries hit in about 50 strikes. Fuel shortages affect about 50 million people. Ukraine has identified the import route as a new vulnerability and discussed responses with the European Commission.
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Ukrainian drone strikes force Russia to import gasoline from Morocco and other countries
Background: Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries have caused widespread fuel shortages and rationing across Russia since early 2026, affecting 56 regions and Crimea. New development: Russia has been forced to import gasoline from as far as Morocco, with a cargo loaded at Tangier and discharged at Murmansk in mid-July, alongside imports by rail from Belarus and Kazakhstan and by sea from India. Moscow now subsidizes both domestic refineries and foreign fuel imports, with fuel subsidies reaching 1.221 trillion rubles ($15 billion) from April through July. Russian crude processing fell to 3.6 million barrels per day in July, the lowest since 2002, with at least 24 of 34 largest refineries hit in about 50 strikes. Fuel shortages affect about 50 million people. Ukraine has identified the import route as a new vulnerability and discussed responses with the European Commission.
Background: Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries have caused widespread fuel shortages and rationing across Russia since early 2026, affecting 56 regions and Crimea. New development: Russia has been forced to import gasoline from as far as Morocco, with a cargo loaded at Tangier and discharged at Murmansk in mid-July, alongside imports by rail from Belarus and Kazakhstan and by sea from India. Moscow now subsidizes both domestic refineries and foreign fuel imports, with fuel subsidies reaching 1.221 trillion rubles ($15 billion) from April through July. Russian crude processing fell to 3.6 million barrels per day in July, the lowest since 2002, with at least 24 of 34 largest refineries hit in about 50 strikes. Fuel shortages affect about 50 million people. Ukraine has identified the import route as a new vulnerability and discussed responses with the European Commission.