Since late 2023, Ukraine has unleashed a drone offensive, targeting Russian oil refineries. But for Russia, oil and gas revenues help fund its ongoing war against Ukraine. Kyiv believes these to be “kinetic sanctions,” since the West has been hesitant to target Russian oil for years. Since early August, Ukraine has carried out more than a dozen strikes on Russian oil refineries, knocking out as much as 20% of refining capacity – over 1 million barrels a day. The Cipher Brief is committed to publishing a range of perspectives on national security issues submitted by deeply experienced national security professionals.