Ukraine’s Strike Range Against Russia Expanded 2.5 Times: A Timeline of Target Hits

Ukraine’s Growing Strike Capability

According to Главком: Since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in early 2022, Ukraine’s defense forces have dramatically extended the reach of their attacks into Russian territory. The maximum distance of these strikes has jumped from 630 kilometers in 2022 to 1,750 kilometers by 2026, marking a major leap in strategic military capability.

Back in 2022, Ukrainian forces were able to hit targets roughly 630 kilometers away. That year, they struck the Engels-2 airbase in Russia’s Saratov region, damaging two Tu-95MS bombers after traveling around 650 kilometers. At the same time, they also hit the Dyagilevo airbase in the Ryazan region, located 500 to 600 kilometers from Ukrainian borders.

Attacks on Russian Infrastructure

By 2024, Ukraine’s military was regularly targeting key Russian infrastructure. On April 2, 2024, they attacked a Shahed drone factory in the Alabuga special economic zone, 1,200 kilometers away. On May 9 of that same year, they struck the Gazprom Neftkhim Salavat oil refinery, situated 1,500 kilometers from Ukraine’s state border.

In February 2026, units from Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) and other defense forces hit the Ukhta oil refinery in the Komi Republic, roughly 1,750 kilometers away. Later, on the night of April 28, 2026, they carried out a second attack on the Tuapse oil refinery in the Krasnodar region. These operations highlight the growing range and effectiveness of Ukraine’s military actions during the war.

This expansion in strike distance reflects significant progress in Ukraine’s strategic capabilities, which could alter the conflict’s trajectory. By being able to hit critical Russian infrastructure at greater ranges, Ukraine may weaken Moscow’s military potential and shift the regional balance of power. It also points to advances in the technology and tactics employed by Ukrainian forces as they defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity.

As Ukraine enhances its military reach, it has also intensified strikes on critical Russian military assets in various regions. Recent operations in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia showcase the strategic focus of Ukraine's defense forces. For a closer look at these targeted actions and their implications, see how they align with Ukraine's expanding strike capabilities in our detailed report on key military operations against Russian positions.