More than 20 Russian refineries and at least $20 billion: expert assesses the scale of Ukrainian strikes

Political analyst Ruslan Bortnik explained why, according to Bloomberg, Ukraine’s attacks on Russian refineries are not welcomed in the West and could strain relations with allies, Politeka reports.
He spoke about this in his blog.

“Ukraine has already struck more than 20 Russian refineries and energy storage facilities. The minimum damage is currently estimated at over $20 billion. This not only provokes certain crises inside Russia, when fuel is lacking and wholesale prices for it have risen sharply, but it also hits Russia’s ability to export this fuel. Often, it affects contracts between Russia and Western companies,” Ruslan Bortnik noted.

In addition, the expert stated, Europe and the West in general fear that in response to Ukrainian strikes on refineries, Russia may resort to sabotage. He recalled how Azerbaijani oil in Romania was contaminated, how Russia bombed Romania’s reverse flow of Azerbaijani gas to Ukraine, and now pipelines and other infrastructure may begin to break down or explode.

The expert also pointed out that the West understands Russia and its allies still retain tools to trigger crises in oil- and gas-producing regions — from Libya and North Africa to the Middle East. In other words, he explained, at any moment Russia can press the button labeled “crisis,” while China and India will continue to be supplied with Russian energy resources at low prices.

“So this is a very dangerous game that hits global financial interests. And, of course, some in the West will not be pleased,” Ruslan Bortnik emphasized.

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