--- title: "Ukraine changes its strike tactics against Russia: from tanks to the 'heart' of the power grid" description: "Ukraine has changed its strike tactics against Russia: instead of tanks, they are now hitting complex equipment that takes a long time to restore. πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦πŸš€ Experts and engineers help select targets to maximally disrupt the operation of the Russian power grid. Objects in Ryazan, Crimea, and Udmurtia have already been hit. ⚑️" date: 2026-07-29T22:14:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/ukraine-changes-strike-tactics-against-russia-heart-of-power-grid tags: [ukraine, russia, energy-infrastructure, drones, evhen-khmar] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Ukraine changes its strike tactics against Russia: from tanks to the 'heart' of the power grid ![Ukrainian operators prepare strike drone for night mission targeting Russian energy grid infrastructure](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/29/ukraina-menyat-taktiku-udarov-po-rossii-serdce-energosistemy/ukraina-menyat-taktiku-udarov-po-rossii-serdce-energosistemy-1.webp) Ukraine has radically revised its strategy for long-range strikes on Russia's energy infrastructure. Instead of targeting easily recoverable assets, such as fuel storage tanks or individual administrative buildings, Kyiv has focused on hitting critical components. The new tactic aims to disable equipment whose replacement requires significant time and colossal financial investment. ### Paradigm shift: attacking the 'bottlenecks' According to sources, Ukrainian forces are increasingly choosing complex nodes of oil refineries and energy facilities as targets. This includes pipelines, connection nodes, and specialized equipment without which the operation of the enterprise becomes impossible. Long-range drone operators are now closely collaborating with engineers and subject matter experts who help identify the most vulnerable points in the enemy's technological chains. This approach is designed to ensure the maximum lasting effect from each attack. As military experts note, the destruction of key equipment inflicts deeper damage than damaging tanks, which can be replaced or repaired in the shortest possible time. ### Systemic analysis and the 'finishing off' strategy Former Ukrainian Minister of Defense and head of the Center for Defense Strategies Andriy Zahorodniuk explained the essence of the new doctrine as a systemic approach. Kyiv analyzes the Russian energy network as a single organism, trying to find points where the impact will have a cumulative effect. "We view Russia as a system. Understanding this system allows us to identify critical points where the impact will be much more significant," Zahorodniuk stated. Particular attention is paid to repeated attacks. Ukrainian units have begun striking the same objects even before their repairs are completed. This tactical decision is intended to prevent the rapid resumption of energy capacity operations, not allowing Russian industry to "get back on its feet." This fact is confirmed not only by witness testimony but also by the analysis of satellite imagery conducted by international media outlets. ### Objectives and ally support Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces Robert Brovdi (callsign Madyar) emphasized that strikes on the energy sector are part of a broader strategy to reduce the resources available to Russia for waging war. The main task is to cut off funding sources and strike at the military-industrial complex that supplies the occupation army. Acting Minister of Defense Yevhen Hmara confirmed the course of escalation: "Ukraine will continue to exert strike and technological pressure on Russia by all possible means. We must scale up what has already proven its effectiveness". An important role in increasing the accuracy of strikes is played by intelligence support from the USA and France. The data received helps Ukrainian operators determine the location of air defense systems and select safe routes for long-range drones to penetrate deep into the territory of the Russian Federation. ### Implementation in practice The new strategy is already showing results in practice. On the night of July 29, Ukrainian forces successfully attacked a number of important objects in the Ryazan region and Crimea. In addition, strikes on oil facilities at a distance of more than 1,300 kilometers from the border were recorded. The list of targets included an export terminal in the Rostov region, as well as oil facilities in the Yaroslavl region and Udmurtia.