Ukrainian drones strike rear targets in Russia – Rezazade

A series of attacks by Ukrainian drones on energy and oil refining infrastructure in Russia and temporarily occupied territories has changed the dimension of military logistics and shown that Ukraine is increasingly effective in the enemy’s deep rear.

In recent days, key facilities have been hit — from thermal power plants in Crimea to oil refineries and oil depots in a number of regions of Russia.

In particular:

•⁠  ⁠Crimea — Simferopol CHP is burning.

•⁠  ⁠Crimea, Gvardiyskoye — ATAN oil depot hit, which was already attacked on October 17 — then it burned for several days.

•⁠  ⁠Novospasskoe, Ulyanovsk region of the Russian Federation — NS-Oil oil refinery attacked, capacity ≈ 600,000 tons per year.

•⁠  ⁠Tabashino, Mari El Republic, Russia — strike on Mariysky Oil Refinery, a plant with two AVT units and capable of processing over 1.6 million tons of oil per year.

•⁠  ⁠Budennovsk, Stavropol Krai, Russia —Striking on the chemical enterprise Stavrolen LLC, which produces polyethylene, polypropylene, vinyl acetate, and benzene.

These strikes have several interrelated consequences. First, they cause direct economic damage, disrupting the supply of fuel and energy resources, which weakens Moscow’s ability to sustain long-term combat operations. Second, the attacks force the Kremlin to divert resources to protecting its rear — strengthening air defense systems, security, and logistics, which distracts forces from the front. Third, the vulnerability of energy infrastructure strengthens the arguments in favor of additional sanctions pressure on Russia.

“Ukrainian drones have proven their effectiveness and strategic value,” comments international expert Ali Reza Rezazade. “But tactical successes need to be transformed into a sustainable advantage: strengthen intelligence, logistics, provide long-range weapons and air defense means to protect civilian infrastructure. Otherwise, the enemy will quickly adapt, and these successes will remain short-term.”

From a practical point of view, the next steps should be as follows: increase operational interaction between Ukrainian forces and allies, accelerate the supply of means to destroy the enemy’s critical infrastructure, and simultaneously deploy additional defense systems inside Ukraine. In parallel, the West should increase sanctions and diplomatic pressure on Moscow so that economic damage turns into political and strategic pressure, and not just a temporary obstacle.

Ukrainian drones prove that the enemy is vulnerable and can be hit beyond the front line. However, victory requires a comprehensive approach — military, political, and economic — as well as decisive coordination with partners so that the tactical successes achieved have a lasting strategic effect.