Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Strikes Hit Russian Energy Facilities

PUKMEDIA

Oil prices.

Oil prices edged higher on Monday, 25 August 2025, after Ukraine intensified its attacks on Russia, raising concerns that Russian oil supplies could be disrupted. At the same time, expectations of a cut in US interest rates bolstered optimism for global growth and fuel demand.

According to Reuters, Brent crude futures rose by 3 cents, or 0.04%, to $67.76 at 03:42 GMT, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures gained 7 cents, or 0.11%, to $63.73.

On Sunday, Ukraine launched a drone strike on Russia, which led to a sharp reduction in capacity at one of the country’s largest nuclear power plants and triggered a major fire at the Ust-Luga fuel export terminal, Russian officials reported.

Separately, a blaze at Russia’s Novoshakhtinsk refinery, also attributed to a Ukrainian drone strike, continued to burn for a fourth consecutive day on Sunday, the region’s acting governor said. The refinery, which produces fuel primarily for export, has an annual capacity of five million metric tonnes of crude oil – the equivalent of around 100,000 barrels per day.

Meanwhile, U.S. Vice-President JD Vance stated on Sunday that Russia had made “significant concessions” towards a negotiated settlement in its war with Ukraine.

However, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated on Friday that he would impose sanctions on Russia if no progress was achieved towards a peace agreement within two weeks.



PUKMEDIA