Ukrainian Drones Sweep Across Russia, Decimating Defence Facilities

Ukrainian Forces Execute Distance‑Based Drone Assaults on Russian Supply Chains

Operation Overview

• Multiple drone sorties launched by Ukrainian military units.
• Targets are freight and logistics firms directly supporting the Russian army.
• Some of these companies are situated over 3,000 kilometers from Ukraine’s frontier.

Strategic Implications

By striking assets far from the immediate combat zone, Ukraine aims to disrupt the broader mobilization network of Russia, potentially slowing weapon deliveries and resource flows.

Reactions and Commentary

The attacks have prompted statements from defense analysts underscoring the escalating reach of Ukrainian tactical power.

Ukraine Conducts Drone Assaults on Russian Defense Sites

On Monday night, Ukrainian armed forces carried out a series of drone attacks targeting key defense industry facilities across Russian territory.

1. Strike on Arzamas Instrument‑Making Plant

• Location: Nizhny Novgorod region, 759 km from the Ukrainian border.
• Product focus: Optical, electronic, and navigation systems for military vehicles, aircraft, and missiles.
• Casualties: One employee was killed; two others sustained injuries and were hospitalized.

2. Tula Region Incident

• Target: A civilian enterprise in Tula.
• Distance to border: About 370 km.
• Outcome: Two people lost their lives; three others were injured.

3. Attacks on Oil Refineries

A. Saratov Oil Refinery

• Event: Drone strike caused explosions and a fire at the refinery.
• Strategic importance: Serves as a major fuel supplier for Russian occupation forces.

B. Komi Republic Refinery

• Location: Nearly 2,000 km from Ukraine’s border in northeast Russia.
• Damage: Drone hit an oil tank and a gas processing unit.
• Role: Supplies the Russian army.

4. Defensive Measures

• Russia’s Defence Ministry reports: over 30 Ukrainian drones were intercepted over regions including Nizhny Novgorod, Belgorod, Bryansk, Kaluga, Orel, Kursk, Voronezh, Tula, Ryazan, and annexed Crimea.
• Moscow spokesperson Sergei Sobyanin noted that seven drones heading toward the capital were intercepted.
• Airspace restrictions: Several airports—Saratov, Volgograd, Kaluga, and Nizhny Novgorod—were temporarily closed to aircraft arrivals and departures.

These operations highlight the escalating aerial conflict along the borders and the continued targeting of infrastructure vital to Russia’s military logistics.