Russian Energy Producers Report Sharp Declines (Video)

(WARSAW, POLAND) – Authorities in Poland are investigating an incident on a key rail line near Warsaw that has raised concerns about a possible act of sabotage. The damaged section of track lies on a route leading towards Rzeszów, the main transport corridor for Western military supplies to Ukraine. Polish officials have been cautious in their public statements, but the incident fits a wider pattern of suspected Russian activities across Europe over the past two years.

The line, which carries both civilian passengers and military cargo, was closed after a train travelling from Deblin to Warsaw was forced to stop when staff discovered severe damage to the track. No injuries were reported, and security teams have been inspecting several affected locations. Initial findings suggest that infrastructure at more than one point on the route was targeted.

Poland’s prime minister described the event as an unprecedented attempt to undermine public safety and a direct threat to the country’s security. The route is also an important channel for deliveries to Ukraine. Polish officials say they intend to identify the perpetrators, although they have not publicly named any suspects.

European governments have reported repeated attacks on infrastructure, cyber systems and transport hubs, many of which have been linked to Russian intelligence or groups acting on behalf of the Russian state. Incidents have included fires at transport sites in the Czech Republic, vandalism in France designed to create tension between communities, and previous explosions at shopping centres in Poland. Similar attempts to disrupt logistics have been documented in Spain and Denmark.

The pattern often includes attempts to influence public opinion online. Polish social media platforms were flooded with anonymous accounts blaming Ukraine for the latest sabotage. Researchers say such disinformation campaigns are designed to weaken cooperation between Poland and Ukraine, to create mistrust, and to pressure Western governments to scale back support for Kyiv.

Alongside suspected sabotage abroad, Russia is facing deepening economic problems at home. The country’s oil sector has reported sharp declines in revenue as global buyers avoid Russian grades. According to published data, Gazpromneft recorded a 65 percent fall in year on year profits in the third quarter of 2025, one of the steepest drops the company has ever posted. Other major Russian producers have reported similar results.

Russian crude is now being sold at large discounts. Recent market data shows the country’s Urals grade trading at about 36 United States dollars per barrel, more than 23 United States dollars below Brent. The last time Urals crude reached similar levels was during the global economic disruption of the COVID pandemic. Analysts say years of limited investment in infrastructure have made production increasingly expensive.

A simple overview of recent Russian oil discounts as reported:

Several Russian regions have warned that the current situation is not sustainable. Industry officials say the cost of extracting a barrel of oil is set to rise significantly by 2030 because many fields require more complex and expensive methods to maintain output.

Domestic pressures are increasing as well. Protests against rising taxes have taken place in a number of cities. Demonstrators say new revenue measures aimed at supporting the war in Ukraine are placing an unfair burden on workers and small businesses. Police have monitored the gatherings closely, and some organisers have been detained.

Public dissatisfaction has also surfaced in Buryatia, one of Russia’s poorest regions, where long standing concerns about cultural restrictions and discrimination have resurfaced. Communities there say they continue to face pressure and that many local men have been sent to fight in Ukraine.

European officials fear that as Russia’s economic situation worsens, the threat of disruptive activity across the continent could grow.