Russia is deliberately destroying Ukraine's oil industry: threat of losing global leadership.

According to ТСН: Russia is implementing a scorched earth strategy against the Ukrainian agricultural industry by deliberately shelling oil and fat enterprises. All of this is done with the aim of completely destroying this vital industry for the economy.

The General Director of the association "UkrOliaprom" Stepan Kapshuk notes that the recent strikes by Russia on the oil infrastructure have a systematic nature, indicating clear planning. The main goal of the aggressor is to undermine an industry that shapes Ukraine's budget.

Sunflower oil and meal are strategically important goods for Ukraine, providing more than 15% of foreign exchange earnings and about 20% of commodity exports. Destroying oil processing capacities delivers a serious blow to the financial stability of the country.

Consequences of the Attacks

In recent days, Ukrainian enterprises have suffered destruction at storage and transshipment facilities for oils. As a result of the attacks, the following has been recorded:

• destruction of thousands of tons of finished products;

• massive fires in warehouses;

• loss of export routes.

Thus, Russia's aggressive actions also have a market subtext, as Moscow attempts to eliminate its main competitor in the global food market.

Export Prospects

By 2025, Ukraine remained the undisputed leader in sunflower oil exports, while Russia held second place. In 2024, Ukraine exported nearly 6 million tons of oil worth $5.1 billion, accounting for 21% of agricultural exports. At the same time, Russia exported 4.5 million tons for $4.4 billion.

However, due to constant shelling, the situation may soon change in favor of Russia. According to forecasts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in the 2025-2026 season, Russia may surpass Ukraine in export volumes.

Expected export figures:

• Russia — 4.4 million tons;

• Ukraine — 4.2 million tons.

This will create a difference of 200 thousand tons, leading to losses for Ukraine in the global sunflower oil market.

Additionally, Russian terrorists attacked the Dnipropetrovsk oil extraction plant, which is part of the "Bunge Ukraine" company, resulting in about 300 tons of oil spilling onto the city's roads due to a drone attack.

These events highlight the importance of protecting Ukraine's agricultural sector, as it is critical to the country's economy. Numerous cases of serious destruction are noted, which could have lasting consequences for exports and financial stability. The global community is monitoring the situation, as the stability of the Ukrainian agricultural industry is of great importance to the global food market.