Targeting Russian Oil Refineries

In March 2024, Ukraine significantly intensified its assaults on Russian energy infrastructures, deploying a multitude of long-range drones to hit Russia’s largest refineries. This led to a temporary halt in production at several of these facilities. The primary objective of these assaults was to diminish Russia’s military capacity. On the other hand, these actions inflicted damage on the Russian economy. Targeting refineries and oil depots has emerged as a contentious issue. The classification of refineries and oil depots as military objectives is legally not precise. These facilities are seen as essential infrastructure for the nation’s economy and machinery of war. Targeting oil depots or works and installations containing dangerous forces during an international armed conflict could result in significant environmental damage, raising questions about the principles of military necessity, distinction and proportionality. An attack must not cause excessive incidental civilian damage relative to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated. This essay will explore the legal issues regarding targeting refineries and oil depots and a comprehensive analysis of the situation within the framework of International Humanitarian Law.