Ukraine Launches Long-Range Drone Attacks in Russia, Putin's Election Undermined

On Tuesday, Ukraine launched a series of long-range drone attacks inside Russia targeting at least two oil facilities. The attack, which occurred in eight regions of Russia, showcases Kyiv's expanded drone capabilities.

Border Incursions and Alleged Attacks

It was reported that soldiers, believed to be Russian volunteers fighting for Ukraine, crossed the border into Russia. These alleged incursions have been a subject of claims, counterclaims, disinformation, and propaganda during the war. However, the veracity of these reports remains unclear.

Drone Strikes

One Ukrainian drone struck an oil refinery in the Nizhny Novgorod region, while another was shot down in the Moscow region, close to Zhukovsky Airport. Additionally, an oil depot in Oryol, 116 kilometers from Ukraine, was hit by a drone.

Ukraine's Growing Drone Capabilities

The strikes serve as evidence of Ukraine’s increasing sophistication in drone technology, demonstrating its audacity in taking the war to Russia following the invasion of Ukraine by Kremlin forces on Feb. 24, 2022.

Ukrainian President's Statement

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously mentioned that Ukraine had developed a weapon capable of hitting a target 700 kilometers away, indicating the development of advanced drone capabilities. Ukraine has also deployed sea drones in the Black Sea, claiming to have sunk Russian warships.

Battlefield Situation and Russia's Presidential Election

Despite facing challenges such as a lack of military supplies and the pressure from the well-equipped Russian army, Zelenskyy stated that recent Russian advances have been halted, improving the battlefield situation compared to the previous three months.

These bold attacks by Kyiv coincide with Russia’s presidential election, where President Vladimir Putin is expected to win another six-year term. The attacks inside Russia challenge Putin's attempts to portray life in the country as unaffected by the war.

Russian Response

The Russian Defense Ministry reported that drones were intercepted over several regions of Russia, including Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk, Leningrad, and Tula. Additionally, a Tochka-U ballistic missile and eight Vampire missiles were shot down over Belgorod.

Border Clashes and Volunteer Groups

Reports surfaced of clashes at the border, with Ukrainian fighters attempting to cross into Russia’s Belgorod region. In response, the Russian Defense Ministry stated that all attacks were repelled by warplanes, artillery, and missiles.

Furthermore, soldiers who Kyiv officials claimed to be Russian volunteers fighting for Ukraine alleged that they crossed into Russian territory, expressing their desire for “a Russia liberated from Putin’s dictatorship.”

However, the authenticity of these claims couldn't be independently verified.

Russian Plane Crash

On the same day, an Il-76 heavy-lift transport plane of the Russian air force crashed during takeoff from an air base in the Ivanovo region in western Russia. The Defense Ministry cited an engine fire during takeoff as the likely cause of the crash, without specifying whether there were any survivors.