Ukrainian drone strikes cripple Russian refining capacity, forcing rare fuel imports from Japan via South Korea.
Russia will import at least 200,000 barrels of jet fuel from Japan, marking a rare reversal for one of the world’s top oil producers. The cargo, set to load in early July, will undergo ship-to-ship transfers in South Korea before delivery, reflecting severe disruptions to domestic refining operations.
The move follows repeated Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries, which have slashed fuel output. Russia has historically been a net exporter of refined products, but the strikes have forced it to seek alternative supplies to meet domestic demand.
No immediate market reaction was reported, though the imports highlight vulnerabilities in Russia’s energy infrastructure amid ongoing conflict.