Mikhelson: Ukraine's strikes on Russian refineries won't change Moscow's goals

Riigikogu Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Marko Mikhelson says Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries are having some effect, but will not force Moscow to abandon its strategic objectives in the near term. Mikhelson shared his assessment in a Sunday interview on ETV's 'Välisilm' programme.

Ukrainian drone and missile strikes on oil refineries inside Russia are causing damage but fall short of altering the Kremlin's strategic calculus, according to a senior Estonian lawmaker. [Marko Mikhelson](/politicians/marko-mikhelson), chairman of the Riigikogu Foreign Affairs Committee, gave this assessment on Sunday during an appearance on ETV's foreign affairs programme *Välisilm*.

Mikhelson acknowledged that the Ukrainian attacks on Russian refinery infrastructure are producing a measurable impact on Russia's war economy. However, he argued that over the coming months these strikes alone are unlikely to compel Moscow to revise or abandon the strategic goals it has set for the war in Ukraine.

The remarks reflect a broader debate among analysts and Western officials about how effectively Ukraine's long-range strike campaign can degrade Russia's capacity and willingness to continue its full-scale invasion. Targeting energy infrastructure has been a key element of Kyiv's strategy to impose economic costs on Russia and disrupt fuel supplies to its military forces.

Mikhelson, one of Estonia's most prominent voices on foreign and security policy, has consistently advocated for strong Western support for Ukraine. His cautious assessment suggests that while the refinery strikes are a valuable tool, they are not a silver bullet that will bring about a swift change in Russian policy.