As reported by the Financial Times, citing Ukrainian and American officials, US intelligence has been providing Kyiv with data for several months, enabling strikes on key Russian energy facilities, including refineries, far behind the front lines. These efforts to weaken Russia's economy are intended to bring the Kremlin to the negotiating table.
According to informed sources, American intelligence is assisting Kyiv in planning routes, altitude, timing, and decision-making for missions, allowing Ukrainian long-range drones, designed for one-time attacks, to evade Russian air defenses.
Three sources familiar with the operation reported that Washington was closely involved in all planning stages. One American official said that Ukraine selected targets for long-range strikes, and the US then provided intelligence on the vulnerabilities of these facilities.
According to FT, the White House began assisting Kyiv in attacks on energy facilities after a phone call between Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky in July. The intensity of Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil and gas facilities and pipelines sharply increased in August and September, leading to significant disruptions in the operation of Russian energy facilities. According to analysts at Energy Aspects, at least 16 out of 38 Russian refineries were affected by fires.
As noted by the publication, the White House does not acknowledge its direct involvement in Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy facilities. However, as reported to journalists by Ukraine's SBU, Kyiv plans to increase the number and geography of strikes on Russia.