These strikes illustrate Ukraine's expanding capacity to hit strategic military and economic targets deep inside Russia using long-range drones.
SBU's Overnight Strikes: Rostov and Caspian Targets
On the night of July 24–25, the SBU deployed long-range drones to strike military assets in Rostov-on-Don, as well as vessels and an oil platform in the Caspian Sea. In Rostov, the following were hit:
- 92N6E Grave Stone radar station
- Antenna tower of the S-400 Triumph air defense system
- Tor-M2 surface-to-air missile system
- Pole-21 electronic warfare system
- Two FPV drone storage facilities
In the Caspian Sea, the following targets were struck:
- Filanovsky oil field platform
- Project 12418 Molniya missile boat
- Cargo vessels under international sanctions, used to transport military supplies between Iran and Russia
President Zelenskyy Confirms Broader Strikes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the attacks and reported additional strikes on a facility in Kirov, located roughly 1,200 km from Ukraine's border, an oil refinery in Tyumen, a logistics site in Yekaterinburg, and a fuel and lubricants storage depot in Rostov-on-Don. He stated:
'Ukraine continues to apply long-range sanctions in response to Russian strikes.'
Zelenskyy elaborated:
'It is again a facility in Kirov, from which components are supplied for the means Russia uses to strike our people. Also an oil refinery in Tyumen, a logistics site in Yekaterinburg, a fuel and lubricants storage in Rostov-on-Don.'
For its part, the SBU stated that Russia is trying to disrupt Ukrainian maritime activity by targeting its southern ports with terrorist strikes. It warned that these hostile actions will receive a lawful response from the SBU, in line with Ukraine's inherent right to self-defense.
These strikes signal an escalation in the conflict, with both sides employing advanced technology. Ukraine's long-range drones demonstrate the ability to hit critical military infrastructure at great distances, potentially altering the tactical situation on the front lines. Meanwhile, Russia continues to use its resources to support military operations, further increasing tensions in the region.
The recent escalation in Ukraine's military operations highlights a significant shift in strategy, as evidenced by the targeted strikes on Russian assets. For further insights into the implications of these actions, including the targeting of oil terminals located 1,300 km from Ukraine's border, you can read more about it here.