During March 2026, Ukrainian long-range strikes dealt a devastating blow to the Russian economy, causing at least $2.3 billion in losses to the aggressor’s oil industry. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky announced these unprecedented results during his evening video address on Sunday, April 19, published on the Official website of the President of Ukraine. He emphasized that this strategic campaign of economic depletion is yielding tangible results, and the defense forces are determined to continue and intensify this work throughout April and beyond. According to the President, these physical “long-range sanctions” have proven far more effective in crippling Russia’s war machine than many international diplomatic efforts.
The Russian Federation, which relies heavily on petrodollars to finance its ongoing invasion, is now caught in a vice. On one side, it faces Western economic restrictions—albeit recently weakened by the United States—and on the other, relentless, highly precise strikes by Ukrainian kamikaze drones and missiles targeting refineries and transshipment terminals deep within Russian territory. Zelensky expressed his disappointment with the recent American decision to ease sanctions on the Russian oil sector, noting that such moves offer no real diplomatic benefits. “Every dollar from oil only sets Russia up to keep fighting. But even with this money, they still will not solve their problems,” he stated.
In his address, the President personally commended the specific military units responsible for these highly successful operations. Special recognition was given to the 1st Separate Center of the Unmanned Systems Forces (SBS), the 98th Reconnaissance Center of the Special Operations Forces (SSO), the 19th Missile Brigade, the 360th Separate Coastal Missile Brigade, as well as the operatives of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and military intelligence. Every soldier and officer involved in planning and executing these deep strikes plays a crucial role in diminishing Russia’s offensive capabilities.
The escalation of these domestic “sanctions” comes in direct response to the continuous terror inflicted on Ukrainian civilians and the recent weakening of international pressure on Moscow. By taking the initiative, Ukraine has managed to strike the very heart of the Russian military-industrial complex. The disruption in fuel supplies and the sharp decline in export revenues are already causing significant logistical and economic hurdles for the Kremlin. The Unmanned Systems Forces recently reported that Russia is losing approximately $100 million daily due to the continuous combat operations against its oil infrastructure.
A striking example of this capability was demonstrated on the night of April 18, when Ukrainian forces successfully attacked four major oil refineries and transshipment hubs simultaneously across Russia. This massive coordinated strike underscores the vast reach of Ukrainian intelligence and strike units. During a recent meeting with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, President Zelensky discussed the continued expansion of these operations, reaffirming that the systematic destruction of Russia’s economic lifeline will not cease until the aggressor is forced to abandon its imperial ambitions and withdraw from Ukraine.