The “Freedom of Russia” resistance movement carried out a large-scale operation codenamed “Barrel” deep inside Russia, during which more than 10,000 tonnes of crude oil were destroyed. The material damage exceeded $10 million.
This was reported by Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR).
According to HUR, the operation was aimed at identifying the methods Russia is using to try to offset losses after Ukrainian Defence Forces strikes on oil refining and port infrastructure facilities.
“During Operation ‘Barrel’, the underground network of the ‘Freedom of Russia’ Legion managed to establish how the aggressor state is attempting to compensate for the losses it suffered as a result of strikes by Ukraine’s Defence Forces on oil refining and port infrastructure facilities,” the statement said.
Because available tank storage capacity has been reduced, Russians began using alternative methods of storing and transporting oil. In particular, the crude began to be moved by rail in tank wagons across Russia.
The operation was preceded by lengthy preparation and comprehensive work by the underground network. This involved infiltrating the enemy’s relevant structures, obtaining classified information, analysing it further, and identifying vulnerabilities in Russian logistics.
The next stage was preparing direct measures to affect the identified targets — infiltration of a heavily guarded area and the sabotage of dozens of tank wagons.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, as a result of the operation more than 10,000 tonnes of crude oil were destroyed, which had been intended to support the functioning of Russia’s wartime economy.
The operation also disrupted the work of certain elements of rail logistics used to transport strategic resources and military cargo.
“‘Barrel’ has demonstrated that even on its own territory the aggressor state cannot guarantee the security of its logistics routes. Despite the complexity and high level of risk, the ‘Freedom of Russia’ resistance movement continues to operate behind enemy lines and strike at its resources and logistics capabilities,” HUR at the Ministry of Defence added.