Zelensky: Russia Hit by Major Oil Export Drops, Targets Ukraine’s Defense Deals

After getting a report from the head of Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service, Zelensky said Ukraine has recorded a sharp decline in Russian oil export throughput at key ports. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky looks on during a press conference with the German Chancellor at the Chancellery in Berlin on April 14, 2026 during German-Ukrainian government consultations. The meeting comes as US-initiated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have stalled, with Kyiv baulking at the idea it could cede territory to Russia. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine’s long-range strikes are deepening losses in Russia’s oil export infrastructure, while Moscow is simultaneously working to undermine Kyiv’s international defense partnerships and expanding its military presence in Africa. After getting a report from the head of Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service, Oleh Luhovskyi, Zelensky said Ukraine has recorded a sharp decline in Russian oil export throughput at key ports. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . Primorsk is down 13%, Novorossiysk 38%, and Ust-Luga 43%. He noted that Russian internal data may underestimate the real scale of the losses. “We will continue operations aimed at reducing Russian oil revenues and export volumes,” Zelensky said. The report also detailed Russian efforts to counter Ukraine’s growing network of international defense cooperation, including so-called “Drone Deals.” According to Ukrainian intelligence, Moscow views Ukraine’s ability to attract additional foreign investment as a key strategic challenge. Russia is reportedly expanding efforts to block Ukraine’s access to investment and disrupt bilateral agreements on security cooperation and weapons production. Particular focus is being placed on limiting Ukraine’s engagement with partners in the Middle East and the Gulf. Separately, Ukrainian intelligence said Russian military contingents in Africa have increased by around 8,000 personnel in recent months. Other Topics of Interest Zelensky Hails ‘Fair Response’ as Ukraine Strikes Orsk and Perm 1,500 km Behind the Lines Drones struck oil infrastructure in Russia’s Orsk and Perm, triggering fires at key facilities, including a major refinery and a pipeline station. Moscow is also actively promoting drone deployment across African countries through equipment supplies, local production schemes, and training programs. Zelensky warned that this expansion could have broader security consequences. He said it risks contributing to the strengthening of terrorist organizations, rising cross-border crime, and instability in strategically important migration regions. “It is important to counter this jointly – we will coordinate with partners,” he added. The Sentry reported last week that Moscow has begun ramping up its military presence in Mali  following the withdrawal of the Wagner Group after a string of setbacks. An investigation found that at least three large shipments of Russian military hardware – including tanks, armored vehicles and boats – arrived in Bamako in the first five months of 2025. Wagner fighters, deployed since 2021, failed to secure decisive victories against insurgents or gain access to Mali’s lucrative gold sector. The group withdrew in June 2025, handing operations to the Kremlin-controlled Africa Corps. The shift followed the fallout from the failed 2023 mutiny led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, when Wagner forces briefly turned against Russia’s military leadership. Since then, the Kremlin has moved to bring all overseas operations under tighter control. Defense ministry-linked forces have replaced Wagner units in countries including Syria, Libya and now Mali. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.