Ukraine’s long-range strikes on oil refineries inside Russia have reduced Moscow’s refining capacity by nearly 20%, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed, citing intelligence provided by Western allies. He stated that over 90% of these deep strikes were executed using Ukrainian-made long-range weapons, reflecting Kyiv’s growing defense capabilities. However, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine urgently needs more foreign financial assistance to expand production and maintain momentum against Russia’s energy-dependent economy.
Oil exports remain a vital source of funding for Russia’s war effort, and Ukraine’s recent attacks aim to undermine that economic foundation. Meanwhile, new sanctions announced by the United States and the European Union are set to further limit Moscow’s oil and gas export revenues. These measures target Russian energy giants Rosneft and Lukoil, with enforcement scheduled to begin on November 21. Zelenskyy noted that U.S. President Donald Trump may use these sanctions as leverage for diplomatic negotiations with the Kremlin.
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Furthermore, Zelenskyy expressed optimism regarding international efforts to curb Russian oil purchases. He said India has “clearly indicated” a willingness to reduce energy imports from Russia, a move that could significantly impact Moscow’s financial stability. Additionally, he voiced hope that Trump’s upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea will result in further declines in Chinese purchases of Russian crude. Such coordinated efforts, he added, are essential to reducing the Kremlin’s wartime revenues.
On the domestic front, Zelenskyy detailed Ukraine’s preparedness for the upcoming winter amid ongoing Russian strikes on energy infrastructure. He announced that Ukraine has already secured 70% of the $2 billion required to fund gas imports needed for heating. Moreover, the country plans to produce between 500 and 800 interceptors per day by next month to defend against Russia’s Shahed drone attacks. However, Zelenskyy stressed that well-trained operators are crucial to effectively using these systems.
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In addition, Ukraine has captured around 2,200 Russian prisoners of war in the past six months, most of them during intense battles in the eastern region near Pokrovsk. The city has become a key flashpoint as Russia attempts to advance further, while Ukrainian forces strengthen their defenses with reinforcements. At the same time, Kyiv continues negotiations with Sweden, France, and the United States to enhance its combat aviation fleet. Zelenskyy confirmed that he has requested 250 new aircraft to ensure Ukraine’s long-term air superiority and defense resilience.