By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Multiple explosions were reported on December 13th at various sites within Russia and occupied Crimea, including an oil depot near Simferopol, a chemical plant in Veliky Novgorod, and several energy sites. Reports indicate drone strikes targeted an oil depot near Uryupinsk, Volgograd Oblast, and a power station in Smolensk. The Ukrainian military has not yet commented on the attacks, however, Ukraine has previously targeted Russian military and energy infrastructure, which is considered a critical source of funding for the ongoing war. These recent events follow confirmed drone strikes on Russian oil refineries, highlighting Ukraine’s efforts to diminish Moscow’s fighting capabilities.
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Explosions were reported at an oil depot near Simferopol in occupied Crimea, a chemical plant in the Russian city of Veliky Novgorod, and several energy sites, signaling a coordinated series of attacks. The reports, emerging late on December 13th, paint a picture of widespread activity, with targets ranging from critical energy infrastructure to industrial facilities deep within territory controlled by Russia. This suggests a strategic approach, aiming to disrupt the supply chains and the overall war effort of the aggressor.
An oil depot near Uryupinsk, in the Volgograd Oblast, and a power station in Smolensk were also reportedly hit by drones. This expansion of attacks beyond just Crimea highlights a broader strategy, reaching further into Russian territory. The use of drones appears to be the weapon of choice, suggesting an attempt to overcome traditional defense systems while minimizing potential casualties.
Russian authorities have reported a significant number of drones – as many as 41 – over the occupied territory of Crimea alone. This high number emphasizes the intensity of the attacks and likely underscores the challenges faced by Russian air defenses. The simultaneous nature of these reported events creates a complex picture of modern warfare, and an attempt to overwhelm defenses.
The Akron Chemical Plant in Veliky Novgorod has reportedly been hit, with smoke rising from the site. This choice of target is significant, as it indicates a move beyond just energy infrastructure, towards the disruption of industrial capacity. This may signal an attempt to weaken Russia’s broader war machine, targeting elements that support military production or supply.
It’s important to remember that immediate verification of all the details is challenging. Official confirmation from Ukraine is also still pending. However, the accumulation of reports from multiple sources strongly indicates a significant and coordinated offensive.
Ukraine’s ongoing strikes against Russian military infrastructure are part of a broader effort. The intent is clear: to undermine Moscow’s ability to wage war. These attacks are a key element of this strategy, aimed at weakening Russia’s capabilities and its ability to sustain its offensive operations.
Targeting Russian energy infrastructure is strategically significant because it directly funds the Kremlin’s war. Therefore, the choice of energy sites as military targets is a logical one, as these attacks can directly impact Russia’s financial resources.
The impact of these strikes is visible, with reports of damage to key facilities. For example, Reuters reported that Russia’s Syzran oil refinery halted operations after a previous Ukrainian drone attack. Ukraine confirmed this strike, stating its intent was to diminish the “military and economic potential of the Russian aggressor.”
Recent history shows these attacks are not isolated incidents. The Slavneft-Yanos oil refinery in Yaroslavl, one of Russia’s largest, was struck in a drone attack on December 12th. The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed this attack, highlighting the refinery’s strategic importance in providing fuel to the Russian armed forces.
The broader implications are clear: these strikes are intended to degrade Russia’s ability to fight and weaken its overall war effort. They underscore the ongoing nature of the conflict and the strategic dimensions of the operations. The use of drones for such attacks is a reflection of the evolving nature of warfare, its use allows for striking far beyond any conventional reach. These strikes are designed to cause the most impact by disrupting the aggressors’ energy supply and infrastructure, as the damage from these attacks are meant to have long-lasting effects.