A Ukrainian military official announced escalating attacks within Russia, focusing on energy facilities and personnel to disrupt war funding and morale.
Justification for Attacks
A Ukrainian official stated that Russian natural resource extraction funds the war effort, specifically citing Shahed drones and ballistic missiles, justifying the attacks as a response.
Major Browdi revealed that 30% of attacks are aimed at Russian soldiers, emphasizing a strategy to diminish Russia’s workforce advantage and prioritize eliminating enemy combatants.
Escalation of Drone Strikes
Ukrainian long-range drone attacks on Russian territory will intensify, primarily targeting energy infrastructure and military personnel, according to Browdi.
Oil refineries are considered legitimate military targets if they fund the war, Browdi asserted, and their destruction is justified.
SBS Impact and Strategy
The SBS (Special Operations Forces) account for only 2% of the Ukrainian military but are responsible for destroying one-third of all targets.
Browdi emphasized that documenting the death of each Russian soldier is crucial, believing that each casualty slows Russian military progress and extends the conflict zone beyond secure rear areas—to 1500-2000 km into Russian territory.
Morale and Economic Impact
The goal extends to diminishing Russian morale, encouraging dissent among the Russian population regarding the war and its leadership.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the deep strikes as “very painful” for Moscow, causing “critical” losses estimated at tens of billions of dollars in the energy sector.
Increased long-range drone capabilities are attributed to cheaper, locally produced drones with extended flight ranges.
Putin’s Constraints and Operational Results
Browdi believes Vladimir Putin cannot afford to end the invasion due to the potential for significant political failure.
The SBS reported on April 18th that Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure are causing daily losses of $100 million, disrupting oil transshipment in ports and logistics.