Ukraine strikes two Russian oil sites as Moscow petrol queues grow

Updated 23 August 2026, 10:30 CEST — KYIV/MOSCOW — Ukrainian forces struck an oil refinery in Nizhnekamsk, Tatarstan, and the Tamanneftegaz terminal in Volna, Krasnodar region, during the night of 19–20 August, Ukraine’s General Staff said. The military reported fires at both sites, while the full extent of the damage and any effect on production remained unconfirmed.

Tatarstan leader Rustam Minnikhanov confirmed a large drone attack in the region, according to Russia’s state news agency Tass. He said industrial production was disrupted and residential buildings were damaged in the Nizhnekamsk area. The Associated Press reported that Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed its air defences intercepted 726 drones across Russian-controlled territory and nearby seas that night; that figure has not been independently verified.

The attacks continued Ukraine’s campaign against refineries, terminals and fuel-distribution infrastructure. Ukraine’s Defence Ministry describes the strategy as an attempt to restrict the resources and logistics supporting Russia’s armed forces. Kyiv has repeatedly identified oil installations as military-economic targets, although individual damage assessments often rely on statements from the belligerents, satellite imagery and geolocated footage.

The pressure is now visible in the Russian capital. Reuters witnesses saw long queues at petrol stations in Moscow and the surrounding region on 19 August. Reuters reported that Rosneft capped petrol sales at 30 litres per vehicle nationwide, while Gazprom Neft, Tatneft and Lukoil also introduced varying restrictions. Diesel remained unrestricted at several networks. Russian suppliers attributed the measures to shortages, high seasonal demand and unscheduled refinery maintenance.

Russian authorities have banned fuel exports, relaxed quality requirements and increased imports to support domestic supply, Reuters reported. The Russian government acknowledged on 14 August that supply remained tense in several regions but said oil companies were increasing deliveries. President Vladimir Putin has characterised the deficit as temporary, according to Euronews.

For Belgium, the immediate effect is indirect. Belgian and wider EU fuel markets are largely separated from Russian refined products by sanctions, but sustained disruption to a major oil producer remains relevant to European energy prices, sanctions enforcement and EU support for Ukraine.

The next test is whether repairs restore Russian refining capacity faster than Ukraine can strike it again. Production data, regional rationing and independently verified imagery will show whether the campaign is causing a temporary distribution problem or a deeper national shortage.