Putin Orders Boost to Coal Production Following Drone Attacks on Energy Infrastructure
Moscow, Russia – september 9, 2025, 08:17 MSK – In a move signaling escalating energy security concerns, Russian President Vladimir putin has directed an increase in domestic coal production following a series of drone strikes targeting the nation’s oil refineries and power plants. The Kremlin aims to rapidly bolster its energy reserves as Ukraine continues to target critical infrastructure deep within Russian territory, raising fears of winter fuel shortages and economic disruption.
The decision, announced today, represents a important shift in Russia’s energy strategy, prioritizing a historically less-favored fuel source amid ongoing geopolitical instability. While Russia remains a major global exporter of oil and natural gas, the vulnerability of its pipeline networks and refining capacity to ukrainian attacks has prompted a reassessment of energy independence. The increased coal output is intended to provide a more resilient, domestically sourced alternative for power generation and heating, particularly as Europe continues to reduce its reliance on Russian gas.This pivot comes as Russia faces a projected shortfall in refining capacity, potentially impacting fuel availability for both domestic consumption and export markets.
Recent weeks have witnessed a surge in drone attacks on Russian energy facilities. On August 29,2025,a drone struck a refinery in Ryazan,causing a fire. Similar incidents were reported at facilities in leningrad Oblast and Nizhny Novgorod Oblast. These attacks, attributed to Ukraine, have disrupted fuel supplies in some regions and highlighted the limitations of Russia’s air defense systems.
the Kremlin’s directive mandates increased coal output from key mining regions in Siberia and the Far East. State-owned mining company Rosugol has been tasked with leading the effort,with a target of increasing production by 15% by the end of 2025. This will require significant investment in infrastructure, including rail transport and port facilities, to move the increased volumes of coal to power plants across the country. The move also signals a potential rollback of Russia’s commitments to phasing out coal, a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
