Zelenskyy: Russia Cannot Sustain Its Missile Program Without Foreign Components

According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia's missile production depends on foreign-made components, according to a report by Ukraine's Chief Defense Intelligence, Oleh Ivashchenko. The Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) has destroyed a key Russian oil refinery, Lukoil-Nizhegorodniinefteproekt in Kstovo, which was also struck again by Ukrainian drones on August 26, causing the refinery to cease oil processing.

This has led to a significant drop in exports, with some components falling by up to 80% this month, resulting in substantial losses for Russia's federal and regional budgets. Russian Black Sea Fleet vessels are currently restricted to Novorossiysk, unable to operate fully at sea after Ukrainian drone strikes. Russia is reportedly considering arming civilian vessels with military personnel and equipment to safeguard its commercial and shadow fleet.

Additionally, Russia has lost a substantial amount of its capacity to produce solid-fuel rocket motors used in missiles following strikes on the Kamensky Combine in Rostov region. The Ukrainian strikes have also targeted Russia's industrial, energy, and military infrastructure, which is crucial for sustaining its war effort. The developments highlight the increased targeting of Ukraine's long-range strikes on Russia's infrastructure and the continued vulnerability of Russia's defense industry to access restrictions on foreign components.