U.S. Intelligence Supports Ukraine's Long-Range Strikes on Russian Energy Infrastructure

The United States has been assisting Ukraine in conducting long-range strikes on Russian energy facilities, aiming to weaken Russia's economy and compel President Vladimir Putin to negotiate. The coordinated effort, reported by the Financial Times on October 12, 2025, involves sharing intelligence that enables Ukraine to target energy infrastructure, including oil refineries, well beyond the front lines.

Intelligence Sharing Enhances Strike Accuracy

Since midsummer 2025, U.S. intelligence has been instrumental in guiding Ukrainian drone and missile attacks on Russian energy assets. This support includes providing information on the vulnerabilities of specific targets and assisting in route planning, thereby increasing the precision and effectiveness of the strikes.

The campaign has led to significant disruptions in Russian oil refining operations, reducing refined fuel capacity by up to 20%, curtailing diesel exports, and forcing Russia to import fuel. These impacts have contributed to increased petrol prices within Russia 

Policy Shift Reflects Strategic Objectives

The U.S. support for Ukraine's long-range strikes marks a shift in policy. Previously, the U.S. had been cautious about escalating the conflict. However, following a July 2025 call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during which Trump reportedly questioned whether Ukraine could strike Moscow with U.S.-supplied long-range weapons, the U.S. administration became more actively involved in targeting and operational planning 

Impact on Russian Energy Sector

The Ukrainian strikes have targeted key Russian energy facilities, including the Bashneft-UNPZ refinery. These attacks have significantly disrupted Russian oil refining operations, leading to a reduction in refined fuel capacity and a decrease in diesel exports. As a result, Russia has been forced to import fuel to meet domestic demand, and petrol prices have risen within the country 

The United States' intelligence support for Ukraine's long-range strikes on Russian energy infrastructure represents a strategic effort to weaken Russia's economy and pressure President Putin into negotiations. By providing critical intelligence, the U.S. has enabled Ukraine to conduct precise and impactful attacks on Russian energy assets, thereby influencing the course of the conflict.