Kremlin Orders Media Blackout on 194 Ukrainian Strikes as Drone Campaign Hits Russian Refineries
Updated
Updated · Kyiv Post · Jul 6
Kremlin Orders Media Blackout on 194 Ukrainian Strikes as Drone Campaign Hits Russian Refineries
3 articles · Updated · Kyiv Post · Jul 6
Summary
Three pro-government media sources told Verstka the Kremlin ordered state-controlled outlets in late June to stop publishing photos and videos of damage from Ukrainian strikes inside Russia.
The clampdown followed a sharp rise in successful attacks: Ukrainian forces hit Russian refineries 16 times in May, and at least 194 times in the first half of 2026, according to FT-cited data.
Unnamed Ukrainian officials told the FT US intelligence helped long-range drones plot routes around Russian air defenses, while analysts also credited expanded domestic drone production and better coordination.
Mash, Baza and Shot sharply cut or halted coverage of strikes on refineries and a Penza defense plant, and some removed earlier Moscow attack footage; hardliners have pushed for criminal penalties.
The blackout comes as Zelensky launches a 40-day long-range strike campaign and as US Vice President JD Vance says Russia's capacity for further offensive gains is nearing zero.
As the Kremlin censors attack news, is it losing the information war on the home front?
How are Ukrainian drones systematically dismantling Russia's once-feared air defense network?
With its oil industry crippled, how long can Russia continue funding and fueling its war machine?
Ukraine’s 2026 Drone Surge: Fuel Shortages, Economic Crisis, and the Erosion of Russia’s Social Contract
Overview
Since early 2026, Ukraine has rapidly escalated its drone campaign, using advanced technology to strike deep into Russian territory. These attacks have targeted crucial supply routes and major cities like Moscow, slowing the Russian army’s advance and creating a heightened sense of vulnerability among Russian citizens. The campaign has also disrupted Russia’s vital oil production, forcing the government to publicly acknowledge a decline in output. As emergency services respond to frequent drone incidents, daily life in Russian urban centers faces growing disruption, highlighting the significant and immediate impact of Ukraine’s evolving drone strategy on Russia’s military and economy.