Russian Oil Output Hits One-Year Low as Ukrainian Strikes Cripple Refineries

Russia’s crude oil production has fallen to its lowest level in a year, as Ukraine’s drone campaign against the country’s energy infrastructure puts one of Moscow’s key sources of revenue under growing strain.

Russian producers pumped an average of 9.009 million barrels of crude per day in May, down from April levels, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) said in its monthly report published on Thursday.  

OPEC is a group of major oil-producing countries whose monthly reports are closely watched by energy markets. It works with Russia and other countries to set joint production targets under the wider OPEC+ framework. 

The May figure was 690,000 barrels per day below Russia’s production target under the OPEC+ agreement, Bloomberg reported, citing an analysis of OPEC’s monthly report. 

Oil revenues under pressure 

Russia’s output has now fallen for six consecutive months, dropping by roughly 370,000 barrels per day since reaching a recent peak of 9.38 million barrels per day in November 2025. 

The steady decline coincides with Ukraine escalating its attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, striking refineries, oil export terminals and pipelines. 

Ukrainian forces carried out at least 31 strikes on Russian oil facilities in May, the highest monthly total since the start of Moscow’s full-scale invasion in 2022, according to Bloomberg. 

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Ukraine Marks Russia Day With Massive Drone Raid on Petrochemical Plants in Tatarstan and Samara

Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on Russia on Friday, striking major petrochemical and oil refining facilities in Tatarstan and Samara region. Fires broke out at multiple energy sites, including the Nizhnekamskneftekhim complex and Taneco refinery, while Russia claimed to have downed 231 drones overnight. The attacks disrupted Russia Day celebrations and temporarily shut regional airspace.

Russian crude-processing rates have fallen to their lowest level in two decades so far in June, Bloomberg reported, citing estimates by energy consultancy Energy Aspects.  

Kyiv has repeatedly said its attacks on Russian oil facilities are aimed at reducing Moscow’s ability to finance its war against Ukraine. 

Oil and gas revenues remain central to Kremlin finances, making up roughly a quarter to a third of federal budget income in recent years.

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