Ukrainian forces have significantly expanded their ability to target Russian military logistics in occupied territories, with President Volodymyr Zelensky reporting that 15 Russian oil refineries were struck between January and May 2026. This campaign has disrupted fuel supplies across occupied regions, including Crimea, where authorities have begun rationing gasoline through vouchers. Zelensky emphasized that Ukrainian drones now dominate key supply corridors in Luhansk Oblast, effectively eliminating safe transport routes for Russian forces in the south and east.

The Third Army Corps confirmed drone control over cities like Luhansk, Alchevsk, and Kadiivka, marking a shift in operational reach. Ukrainian strikes are now reaching 20 to 300 kilometers behind the front lines, targeting infrastructure critical to sustaining Russian operations. These actions have contributed to acute fuel shortages, prompting Russia to restrict domestic sales and consider halting diesel exports.

Zelensky framed the campaign as a form of 'long-range sanctions,' weakening Russia’s war economy. With nearly 40% of Russia’s primary oil refining capacity offline by May 2026, the sustained pressure highlights a strategic shift in Ukraine’s ability to project power deep into occupied zones. The long-term impact on Russian logistics and occupation governance remains a key factor in the conflict’s evolution.