Ukraine has right to strike Russian pipelines and oil refineries: Defense Express explains reason
Russia finances its war against Ukraine through the export of petroleum products, so the oil refineries and other energy facilities of the aggressor state are legitimate targets.
Fire at oil refinery after drone strike
Facilities in Russia’s oil refining sector, including the Druzhba pipeline, are lawful military targets for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as Moscow uses profits from fuel exports to wage war.
Military expert and Development Director of the Information and Consulting Company Defense Express, Valeriy Riabykh, said this on Espreso TV.
«It should be explained right away that all Russian oil refining facilities, as well as those used by the enemy to supply energy resources, are military targets. This includes the Druzhba pipeline. The enemy uses it to export petroleum products, receiving funds to wage war against Ukraine, ” he said.
According to the expert, such facilities also include oil refineries. One example is the LUKOIL-Volgogradneftepererabotka plant, which processes about 5% of all oil produced annually in Russia.
«They produce all types of fuel there, primarily those used by the armed forces of the aggressor state: diesel, three types of kerosene for military aviation, as well as all types of gasoline. Every year, the plant produces over 17 million tons of petroleum products. Part of it is exported, providing profit and the ability to continue the war. That is why all these enterprises are entirely legitimate targets for Ukraine’s Defense Forces, ” Riabykh stressed.
He added that the frequency and effectiveness of Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory indicate that Ukraine’s defense industry has reached planned production volumes of long-range weapons.
«According to the occupiers, there are sometimes hits on their civilian facilities. However, Russian Telegram channels write that this is the result of their air defense work, which intercepted our drones headed for military targets. Ukraine does not and has not conducted attacks on civilian facilities on Russian territory, ” the expert emphasizes.