Western allies have actively requested that Kyiv refrain from targeting Russian oil terminals and refineries. However, Ukraine remains steadfast in its strategy to dismantle the economic engines driving Russia’s war machine, prioritizing its national survival over global market anxieties. Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, officially confirmed these diplomatic discussions during a press briefing at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, as reported by the Ukrinform news agency.
The intelligence chief candidly explained that the primary reason for the international partners’ apprehension lies in global energy economics. Western nations fear that sustained damage to Russia’s energy infrastructure could trigger disruptions in global supply chains, ultimately driving up international fuel prices and exacerbating inflation worldwide.
“I can only say in general terms: yes, this phenomenon exists. Why does it happen? You can easily understand it yourself—it is a question of price formation,” Budanov stated while addressing the pressure from Ukraine’s allies. He was quick to highlight the stark difference in priorities, firmly adding, “But we have our own war.”
Budanov noted that these types of diplomatic frictions are not unprecedented. Throughout the entire duration of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has consistently faced similar constraints, cautionary advice, and restrictions regarding the use of foreign-supplied weaponry or the execution of cross-border operations on Russian soil.
For Kyiv, Russian oil and gas revenues act as the lifeblood of Moscow’s military budget. Neutralizing export terminals and production facilities directly cripples the Kremlin’s ability to finance its military operations, manufacture missiles, and sustain its occupying forces. Consequently, the Ukrainian leadership views these long-range drone strikes as a highly necessary and completely legitimate defensive measure in a war of attrition.
Concluding his remarks, Budanov made it abundantly clear that Ukraine does not intend to abandon its highly effective aerial campaign against Russian economic targets. “They can be understood; that is their truth. But there is also our truth and our national interest. And it is exactly what it is right now. We are not stopping,” he summarized.
Western media and intelligence reports indicate that Ukraine’s persistent drone operations have already yielded substantial strategic results. Recent strikes have successfully paralyzed key export hubs, including critical terminals on the Baltic Sea coast and in Novorossiysk, leading to the most significant reduction in Russian seaborne oil exports since the onset of the war.