By Matt Underwood 
Ukrainian drones reportedly strike Russian oil plants almost 2,000 km inside Russia, a development that’s certainly making waves and seems to be a turning point in this conflict. It’s becoming increasingly clear that Ukraine is capable of projecting power deep within Russia, and the implications of this are substantial.
I can almost picture the scene, with Putin summoning his advisors, demanding action to halt these attacks. The problem, however, is likely a significant one for the Russians: much of their defensive focus is probably concentrated on Moscow, leaving other areas, especially those further east, relatively vulnerable. Russia’s sheer size, a potential asset in some ways, has become a significant liability. It’s like having a world-class goalkeeper guarding a goal that’s far, far wider than usual. Stopping these drone strikes is proving incredibly difficult, if not impossible. This reality underscores Putin’s inability to protect his country and its people, a fact that isn’t going unnoticed.
This kind of strike is one of the most significant of the war so far, and it’s a huge boost for Ukraine. The distance these drones are traveling – close to 2,000 km – is truly remarkable. One wonders if these drones were launched from within Russia, adding another layer of intrigue and complexity to the situation. It’s a clear demonstration of Ukrainian resolve and ingenuity. And, of course, Slava Ukraini!
It’s easy to understand the frustrations and feelings of wanting to see more of these strikes. The focus on oil plants and infrastructure, as opposed to targeting civilian areas, is a strategic choice. It’s about disrupting the Russian war machine, its economy and ability to wage war. It’s about making logistics more difficult, adding cost and delays to critical shipping, and ultimately, weakening Russia’s capacity to sustain its aggression. It seems like the imposed sanctions are working.
Adding to the image of Russia’s shortcomings, it’s not just about its size, but its defenses. The analogy of an alcoholic goalkeeper is an interesting one. The size that Russia initially wanted as a buffer is now a liability. It’s a vast country, and the drone attacks are highlighting that vulnerability.
The fact that these strikes have successfully taken place is remarkable. The range of these drones is truly impressive. It seems like older strikes have since been repaired. The real question is about the ongoing strategy. Ukraine seems to be focusing on these attacks to reduce Russian capacity at a greater pace, putting constant strain on the war effort. And, logistics win wars.
The nature of these “drones” is not the conventional idea of a small, unmanned vehicle. They appear to be converted, remotely controlled planes with substantial fuel capacity and carrying explosives. This makes the strikes much more complex to counter.
The economic consequences of these strikes are significant. Destroying refineries and critical infrastructure puts a strain on Russia’s resources and capabilities. It’s an effective way to apply pressure.
A key factor seems to be the war’s impact on the Russian people and the economic stability. If they tire and reduce their support for the war, it can bring about changes in their mindset, ultimately bringing Putin down. The goal is to disrupt supply lines and choke the war effort. And showing that Russia is vulnerable is a good start to that goal.
It’s a reminder of the limitations of Russian defenses. These long-range strikes demonstrate that few places within Russia are truly safe.