Russia Bans Aviation Fuel Exports Amid Ukrainian Refinery Attacks

Russia has announced a temporary ban on the export of aviation fuel until the end of November, as Ukraine intensifies attacks on Russian refineries, depots and pipelines.

Naija News reports that the Russian government announced the measure on Monday, June 1, 2026, saying the decision was aimed at protecting the country’s domestic fuel supply amid growing pressure on the energy sector.

Kyiv has stepped up strikes on Russian energy facilities in recent weeks, hitting targets including refineries and depots in different parts of the country, with some attacks reaching as far as the Urals.

In a statement, the Russian government said it had imposed a “temporary ban on the export of jet fuel from Russia.”

It explained that the move was necessary to maintain stability in the local fuel market.

“The aim of this decision is to ensure stability in the domestic fuel market,” the statement said.

The government, however, clarified that the ban would not affect shipments covered by intergovernmental agreements.

The development comes as Ukraine expands its campaign against Russia’s energy infrastructure.

In recent weeks, Ukrainian attacks have targeted Russian refineries, fuel depots and pipelines, often triggering large fires.

Although the strikes have caused visible damage in several locations, the full impact on Russia’s fuel production and supply chain has been difficult to assess.

Ukraine has increasingly relied on such attacks as it continues to face daily Russian missile and drone barrages on its cities and infrastructure.

Russia, one of the world’s major oil and gas producers, had earlier restricted the export of car fuel as pressure continued to build in the domestic market.

The fresh restriction on aviation fuel suggests growing concern in Moscow over fuel availability and market stability during the ongoing war.

The ban is expected to remain in place until the end of November, unless the Russian authorities review the measure before then.

Meanwhile, barely a week ago, Nigeria signed a Letter of Intent with the African Development Bank (AfDB) as part of efforts to deepen aviation development across the continent.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria during a dialogue session with the President and Governors of the AfDB in Brazzaville, Congo, on Thursday.

Naija News reports that the development was disclosed in a statement issued by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood.

According to the statement, Keyamo attended the meeting in his capacity as the African Champion of the Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme of the AfDB.

During the session, the minister highlighted the opportunities available to Nigeria and other African countries under the bank’s $7bn aviation programme.

He also presented President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the aviation sector, stressing the need for capital mobilisation to support key aviation projects in the country.

The statement read, “The Minister unveiled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the Aviation sector and rolled out the potentials of the sector, especially the newly approved Nigeria Aircraft Leasing Company and why the Bank should mobilise capital to support it.”

Keyamo said Nigeria’s newly approved aircraft leasing company could become a major tool for strengthening the aviation sector, improving access to aircraft financing and supporting the growth of local operators.

The minister explained that Nigeria had already taken important steps to create a stronger investment environment for the aviation sector.

He said the country had domesticated the Cape Town Convention and updated the Irrevocable Deregistration and Export Request Authorisation framework.

Keyamo also pointed to ongoing reforms in aviation insurance policies as part of measures designed to make Nigeria’s aviation industry more attractive to investors and development finance institutions.