The United States has called on Ukraine to stop drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, according to a media report. Because otherwise there is fear of retaliation and extremely high oil prices – which could jeopardize Biden’s re-election. However, Ukraine rejects the request.
Washington has repeatedly urged a halt to attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure – including oil refineries and depots – the Financial Times reported, citing three people familiar with the matter. The warnings were sent to the domestic secret service SBU and the military secret service HUR. Since Russia’s attack on Ukraine, both services have vastly expanded their drone programs, attacking enemy targets on land, sea and in the air.
The strikes against the oil industry intensified
The Ukrainian armed forces have been increasingly targeting energy facilities on Russian territory for some time now. There have been twelve attacks on Russian oil refineries in the past two years, including nine in 2024 alone. Other terminals, depots and storage facilities were also attacked.
Repeated Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s oil industry have left those in the White House increasingly frustrated, an insider told the British daily. Despite massive Western sanctions, the Russian Federation remains one of the largest exporters of oil and gas.
600,000 barrels per day are shut down
The increased number of attacks on Russian refineries has far-reaching consequences for the oil market. According to economists at Commerzbank, “an estimated 600,000 barrels per day had to be shut down” on Friday due to drone strikes. Above all, this fuels concerns about a reduced supply of oil products.
The price of crude oil, which has recently risen to more than $85 per barrel (159 liters), is also making fuel more expensive in the US. The price for a gallon (3.78 liters) of gasoline has already risen 15 percent this year to about $3.50.
Fear of high fuel prices
A reason for fear for US President Joe Biden, who is preparing to fully immerse himself in the presidential elections. He bases his hopes for re-election on, among other things, the fact that he has slowed the enormous price increases resulting from the war in Ukraine. “Nothing scares a sitting president more than high gas prices in an election year,” Bob McNally, a former US government energy adviser, told the Financial Times.
The U.S. government also fears Russian retaliation against key infrastructure such as the CPC pipeline, which carries oil through Kazakhstan and Russia to the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, where it is shipped to global markets.
Kiev rejected the US request on Friday, saying Russian oil refineries are legitimate targets. “We understand the demands of US partners, but at the same time we struggle with the skills, resources and practices we have,” Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanischyna said in Kiev on Friday.
Attacks like exclamation points
For Kiev, scaling back or increasing drone attacks is a delicate balancing act. In addition to the oil market, the attacks mainly affect the Russian war machine. They also want to deal symbolic blows to Russia by taking the war far into the aggressor’s hinterland. Last but not least, the attacks are intended to show Washington that it makes sense to send more weapons to Ukraine – because, according to the embassy, they will be used efficiently.
On the other hand, Ukraine has a huge interest in Biden being president for another four years and must do everything it can not to jeopardize his election victory. Only then can it be guaranteed that the US will continue to support the attacked country militarily and financially.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
