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Washington Is Helping Ukraine Hit Russia Where It Hurts Most—Its Oil Economy
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
The United States has been providing Ukraine with intelligence on vulnerabilities in Russia’s energy infrastructure to support long-range drone strikes, according to Financial Times (FT).
The information-sharing effort reportedly intensified over the summer and is described as a coordinated attempt to weaken Russia’s economy and pressure leader Vladimir Putin to negotiate.
According to FT, US intelligence has supplied Kyiv with detailed data on the most vulnerable points of Russia’s refineries and other energy facilities located far beyond the front line.
The data enabled Ukraine to plan drone flight routes, altitudes, and timing to avoid Russian air defenses. Three individuals familiar with the operation told the paper that Washington has been closely involved in every stage of the planning process.
A US official told Financial Times that Ukraine selected the targets for long-range strikes, while Washington provided intelligence on their weak points.
Other sources familiar with the matter said that US agencies also identified priority targets, with one describing Ukraine’s drone program as an “instrument” used by Washington to undermine Russia’s wartime economy.
The intelligence cooperation reportedly expanded after a July phone call between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
During that conversation, Trump allegedly asked whether Ukraine could strike Moscow if the US supplied long-range weapons. Two people briefed on the discussion told FT that Trump backed a strategy aimed at making Russia “feel pain” to bring the Kremlin to the negotiating table.
Although the White House later clarified that the president “only asked a question and did not call for further killings,” the report suggests a notable shift in US policy. According to Financial Times, Trump’s growing frustration with Putin—particularly after an unproductive summit in Alaska—has contributed to his stronger backing for Ukraine.
The increased intelligence sharing coincided with a surge in Ukrainian drone attacks against Russian oil refineries and fuel infrastructure in August and September.
These strikes have reportedly disrupted domestic fuel supplies, forced Moscow to limit diesel exports, and increased reliance on imported fuel, FT wrote.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump confirmed the decision to supply Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles under US operational control. The move marks a significant shift in Western military support—enabling Ukraine to strike deep inside Russian territory while keeping launch authority in American hands.
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