Ukrainian drones are changing their strike strategy against Russia. While the focus was previously on mass attacks on oil refineries, it has now shifted to precision strikes on critical nodes — equipment without which facilities cannot function. According to Ukrainian military personnel and drone operators, this approach not only causes damage but also significantly complicates and increases the cost of restoring facilities for the Russian side.
Careful planning and backup targets
Every operation now undergoes detailed analysis. Before takeoff, operators receive recommendations from engineers regarding the most vulnerable elements of industrial facilities. They also always have backup targets in case the primary object becomes inaccessible due to Russian air defense systems or other interference.
Operators report that drones are increasingly attacking already damaged facilities even before their repairs are completed. This prevents enterprises from quickly resuming operations and creates an effect of constant pressure.
Western intelligence as a key tool
Intelligence from the US and France plays an important role in the new tactics. It has allowed for the mapping of Russian air defense system locations and the determination of routes through which drones can penetrate deep into Russian territory, bypassing air defense zones.
Thanks to this data, Ukrainian headquarters planners have created a detailed map of Russia's energy grid. This helped identify nodes whose damage could cause large-scale failures in the entire system, as well as equipment that is the most difficult to replace.
Destroying air defense and EW — part of the strategy
Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces Robert Brovdy emphasized that the campaign relies on the systematic destruction of Russian air defense, radar, and electronic warfare assets. This opens "corridors" for strike drones and increases their effectiveness.
"The goal is clear: destroy the sources funding Putin's war and the military-industrial complex supplying the occupation army," Brovdy stated.
Expanding drone capabilities
Ukraine continues to increase the potential of its long-range drones. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that already this year, the maximum flight range of Ukrainian drones will reach 4,000 kilometers, and next year — 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers. This will mark a new stage in the development of the Ukrainian drone program and expand the geography of possible strikes.
According to Ukrainian commanders, the intensity of long-range strikes on Russian territory will not decrease. On the contrary, it will grow along with the improvement of technology and tactics.
