By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A coordinated Ukrainian operation, involving drones and various military units, struck multiple key Russian military and industrial targets across several regions, including Bryansk, Saratov, Tula, and Tatarstan. Significant damage was inflicted on chemical plants, oil refineries, and ammunition depots, impacting Russia’s war effort. The strikes, some exceeding 1,000km range, involved various types of drones and resulted in fires and secondary explosions at several locations. Ukrainian sources confirmed the operation aimed to systematically weaken Russia’s military-industrial complex.
Read the original article here
Over 200 long-range drones, reportedly a mix of Ukrainian-made models like the “Liutyi,” “PD-2,” “Beaver,” and “UJ-22,” launched a significant strike against key Russian targets deep within Russian territory. The scale of the operation is unprecedented, with reports indicating successful strikes across multiple regions, reaching distances of up to 1,100 kilometers. This clearly demonstrates a significant advancement in Ukraine’s drone technology and operational capabilities.
The targets were strategically chosen to cripple Russia’s war effort. Explosives plants, specifically mentioned was the Bryansk chemical plant in Selzo, a major producer of ammunition for various weapon systems, including cruise missiles, suffered significant damage with fires and secondary explosions lasting for hours. This attack directly impacts Russia’s ability to supply its forces on the front lines.
Fuel depots and refineries also bore the brunt of the attacks. The Kristall oil storage facility in Engels, Saratov, was hit again, reigniting fires after a previous attack. Similar strikes occurred at the Saratov oil refinery and a reported LNG storage facility in Kazan, Tatarstan. These attacks directly threaten Russia’s logistical capabilities, hampering their ability to transport fuel and supplies to the battlefield.
The coordinated nature of these attacks suggests a sophisticated planning operation. The involvement of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), alongside drone units, special operations forces, missile units, and intelligence agencies, points to a concerted effort to maximize impact and minimize risk. This carefully planned and executed attack demonstrates a high level of coordination and intelligence gathering on the part of the Ukrainian forces.
Russian claims of intercepting all incoming drones stand in stark contrast to widespread reports of significant fires, explosions, and damage across the targeted areas. Videos and images circulating on social media appear to corroborate the extent of the damage, showing massive fires and significant destruction at several of the targeted facilities. The discrepancy between official Russian statements and visual evidence significantly undermines Russia’s credibility.
The impact extends beyond the immediate destruction. The attacks caused significant disruptions, including temporary flight restrictions at several airports in Russia. Schools in Saratov and Engels switched to remote learning. The psychological impact on the Russian population, particularly in the regions targeted, should not be underestimated; the inability of Russian authorities to prevent such attacks erodes public confidence and further fuels internal uncertainty.
While Ukrainian military authorities have not officially confirmed the specifics of the operation, the overwhelming evidence from multiple sources, including social media, suggests that the attack was far more successful than Russian official statements admit. The extensive damage reported across multiple regions clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of the Ukrainian drone program, its capabilities to strike at will, and the vulnerabilities of Russian infrastructure deep within its own territory.
The incident highlights the ongoing evolution of warfare, showcasing the increasing role of long-range drones in modern conflict. The success of this operation undoubtedly raises concerns within Russia about the security of its military-industrial complex and its ability to sustain a protracted war effort. Furthermore, the differing narratives presented by Western media outlets, particularly the downplaying of the success of the Ukrainian operation, raises serious questions about the accuracy and impartiality of reporting on this conflict. The strategic targeting of key industrial and logistical assets by Ukraine serves as a powerful demonstration of their capability and resolve in this ongoing conflict.