Ukraine launched one of its most significant drone attacks against Russia, targeting vital infrastructure deep inside the country. This action marks a strategic escalation in the ongoing conflict, reflecting Ukraine’s determination to counter Russia’s continuous assaults on Ukrainian territory. The incident highlights the evolving dynamics of warfare, with Ukraine pushing for the removal of restrictions on long-range weaponry while developing its indigenous defense capabilities.
In a bold escalation of the conflict, Ukraine executed one of its largest drone assaults on Russia, striking key infrastructure targets deep within the country. This unprecedented move has not only intensified the war but also revealed Ukraine’s growing capabilities and determination to defend itself against continuous Russian aggression.
Ukraine’s latest drone attack, one of its largest ever, targeted crucial infrastructure deep within Russia, signaling a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The strikes hit a refinery and a power station, with short videos circulating that show smoke plumes rising from targets in Moscow and the neighboring Tver region. The Russian Defense Ministry acknowledged the scale of the attack but claimed it intercepted and destroyed 158 Ukrainian UAVs overnight in 15 regions, including the capital. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin confirmed that two drones were shot down near the Moscow Oil Refinery, with no reported casualties. However, one drone caused a fire at the refinery, which was quickly contained.
In the Tver region, Governor Igor Rudenya reported that a fire resulting from the drone strike in the Konakovo district was extinguished, with no disruption to gas and electricity services. This recent wave of Ukrainian drone strikes follows a series of similar attacks over the past week, including one on a refinery in the Rostov region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky justified these strikes, citing Russia’s relentless missile and drone assaults on Ukraine. He emphasized that Ukraine’s response is necessary to counter Russian terror and called for the lifting of restrictions on long-range weapons.
Zelensky reiterated his appeal to Western allies to provide Ukraine with the necessary military support, including long-range strikes on Russian missile launch sites and enhanced efforts to intercept Russian missiles and drones. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has presented the Biden administration with a list of high-value targets in Russia that Ukraine aims to strike using US-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS). These mobile launchers have a range of up to 300 kilometers and can deploy various warheads.
However, a US official noted that many of Ukraine’s desired targets in Russia are beyond ATACMS’ range due to Russia’s strategic relocation of its military assets. Despite this, Umerov insists that there are still critical targets within range that could significantly impact Russia’s war capabilities. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) supported this claim, identifying 233 Russian targets within ATACMS’ range that could be strategically hit to weaken Russia’s front-line operations.
In addition to advocating for ATACMS, Ukraine is developing its own long-range weapons. Zelensky recently announced the deployment of a new jet-powered drone, the Palianytsia, capable of striking deep into Russian territory. While specific details about the drone remain undisclosed, it is said to have a range that surpasses Ukraine’s current drone fleet.
