Ukraine strikes Russian oil refineries hours after US waives sanctions on Moscow’s oil

Ukraine Strikes Russian Oil Refineries Following US Sanctions Waiver

Hours after the United States extended a sanction exemption for Russian crude oil, Ukraine launched attacks on two refineries and other critical energy infrastructure in Russia, according to officials. The strikes targeted facilities in the Samara region, including the Novokuybyshevsk and Syzran oil refineries, as well as the Tikhoretsk terminal in Krasnodar and the Vysotsk port in Leningrad, along with an oil storage site in Sevastopol, which is under Ukrainian occupation.

Robert “Madyar” Brovdi, the head of Ukraine’s drone operations, announced via Telegram that the attacks were a direct response to the U.S. decision. He criticized the move as “cynicism,” arguing it would cost “Ukrainian lives.” The U.S. Treasury issued the waiver on Friday, permitting the sale of sanctioned seaborne Russian crude until May 16. This action was part of efforts by the Trump administration to stabilize global oil prices amid tensions from the conflict between the U.S. and Israel in Iran.

“As negotiations accelerate, Treasury wants to ensure oil is available to those who need it,” stated a spokesperson for the U.S. Treasury Department.

Russian authorities confirmed the strikes, though they did not explicitly claim responsibility. The Ministry of Defense reported intercepting 258 Ukrainian drones overnight, but regional leaders detailed the aftermath. Governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev of Samara noted “strikes have been recorded” at industrial sites, with emergency teams responding to the damage. In Krasnodar, the Emergency Response Headquarters confirmed a fire at the Tikhoretsk oil depot, involving 224 personnel and 56 equipment units to contain the blaze.

Similarly, Aleksandr Drozdenko, Leningrad’s governor, reported a fire at Vysotsk port following the drone attack, which was later extinguished. The waivers have already bolstered Russia’s budget, as highlighted by the International Energy Agency, which noted energy revenues nearly doubled in March to $19 billion from $9.75 billion in February. The latest waiver covers an additional 100 million barrels of oil, on top of the previous 100 million.

Sanctions on Russian energy exports were imposed by Western allies to curb funding for Moscow’s war in Ukraine. However, the U.S. decision to renew the exemption has drawn criticism, as it allows sanctioned oil to flow into global markets. The move marks the second time the administration has granted such a waiver, despite earlier indications of hesitation from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

CNN’s Tim Lister, Aleena Fayaz, and Jennifer Hansler contributed to this report.