Ukraine's New Wartime Tactics
Ukraine has redesigned its long-range drone campaign against Russia's energy sector, shifting from widespread attacks on oil refineries to precision strikes on critical, hard-to-replace nodes. This strategic pivot aims to maximize long-term disruption of Russia's war economy by targeting elements that are difficult to repair. Last weekend, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered the newly appointed commander-in-chief, Mykhailo Drapatyi, and the acting defense minister to expand the long-range strike campaign. Yevgeniy Khmara is working alongside the new top commander on plans grounded in detailed technical analysis of targets.
Targets are selected by specialists who evaluate logistics, flight paths, and broader operational priorities. Before missions, units receive briefings from power engineers and industry experts. Some operations involve large fuel depots, using fragmentation munitions. Ukrainian engineers have deep knowledge of industrial processes and vulnerabilities inside Russian facilities, a legacy of shared Soviet expertise.
“We strike critical nodes repeatedly—either before they are repaired or right afterward,”said Brovdi.
A Systematic Approach to Dismantling Russian Infrastructure
The campaign relies on systematically destroying Russian air defense systems, radars, and electronic warfare assets. Planners have built a detailed map of Russia's energy grid, pinpointing critical nodes. Operators have several backup targets in case the primary one is unreachable due to air defenses or navigation failures.
“We're told to strike these specific pipelines or that smokestack, to hit exactly here, within this area,”one operator said.
The United States and France have provided intelligence that helped map Russian air defenses and identify bypass routes. Brovdi emphasized that
“80 million people—roughly two-thirds of Russia's population—live in the European part of the country, within a strike zone that is no longer and will not be considered a safe Russian rear area.”Commander Brovdi also stated that escalation toward the complete destruction of the enemy's fuel-energy and military-industrial sectors is inevitable, adding,
“The goal is clear: destroy the sources funding Putin's war and dismantle the military-industrial complex.”
Ukraine will continue its strike and technological pressure on Russia by all means, underscoring the importance of a systematic approach to target selection and strategy in this war.
“We need to scale what already works,”summarized Yevgeniy Khmara, confirming Ukraine's intent to broaden and deepen its campaign.
This tactical shift reflects the Ukrainian military's adaptation to new conflict conditions and its determination to focus on the most vulnerable aspects of Russian infrastructure. With international support, particularly from the US and France, Ukraine secures the resources and intelligence needed to pursue its strategic objectives more effectively. These actions could significantly impair Russia's ability to conduct military operations by weakening its energy and military capabilities.
As Ukraine intensifies its long-range drone operations, the updated target list now extends beyond previous limitations, showcasing a significant strategic evolution. This shift not only enhances the effectiveness of Ukraine's military engagements but also highlights the ongoing adaptation to Russia's defensive measures. For further insights into these advancements and the implications for the conflict, read more about Zelensky's announcement on long-range strikes.