Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Monday his intention to broaden the scope of long-range strikes targeting Russian oil refineries, following recent discussions with his military staff. The declaration comes shortly after his appeals to European allies in Britain for enhanced long-range weaponry to alter the war’s
trajectory.
During the strategic meeting, Zelensky evaluated the success of Ukraine’s long-range operations and emphasized that Russian oil processing facilities are already experiencing significant
consequences from the conflict. He stated these impacts would intensify, noting plans to expand the geographical reach of Ukraine’s long-range capabilities.
The announcement highlights Ukraine’s potential utilization of Tomahawk missiles, should Washington approve their deployment, though President Trump appears hesitant to authorize such transfers. In recent months, Ukrainian forces have conducted nearly nightly drone attacks on Russian energy infrastructure and fuel storage facilities. These unmanned aerial vehicles, typically deployed in large numbers, have proven particularly effective due to their small size and difficulty to intercept.
Recent reports indicate the Trump administration has been providing intelligence support for Ukraine’s long-range operations against Russian energy targets, although there’s no evidence suggesting approval for Tomahawk missile transfers. Ukrainian forces have also targeted defense-related facilities and manufacturing plants, with sometimes lethal outcomes. A recent incident at the Plastmass plant in Kopeysk, which produces artillery ammunition for Russian forces, resulted in thirteen fatalities, though the cause remains
undetermined.
Russia has responded with intensified attacks, particularly targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure. A recent strike on facilities in the Chernihiv region left multiple towns without power. The Russian military has also expanded its operations around Kyiv, striking civilian manufacturing sites, including Idealist Coffee & Co., Ukraine’s primary drip coffee producer. The company, founded by Naftogaz Group CEO Sergii Koretskyi, processes high-quality Arabica beans from various global sources.
Both sides continue to target energy and manufacturing infrastructure relentlessly. However, Russia maintains an advantage through its ability to deploy both aircraft and ballistic missiles, frequently launched from vessels in the Black Sea. This capability provides Russia with additional tactical options in its strikes against Ukrainian targets.
The conflict has evolved into a war of attrition targeting critical infrastructure, with both sides attempting to degrade each other’s industrial and energy capabilities. Ukraine’s increasing focus on long-range strikes against Russian oil refineries represents a strategic shift aimed at disrupting Russia’s energy sector, a crucial component of its war economy.
Ukrainian drone attacks have proven particularly effective,
demonstrating the changing nature of modern warfare where smaller, unmanned platforms can inflict significant damage on larger industrial targets. The success of these operations has led to Zelensky’s decision to expand their scope, despite the risk of escalation.
The situation continues to develop as both nations adapt their military strategies, with energy infrastructure becoming an
increasingly critical battlefield in this prolonged conflict. The effectiveness of Ukraine’s long-range capabilities, combined with intelligence support from Western allies, has enabled them to strike deeper into Russian territory, though the full impact of these operations on Russia’s war effort remains to be seen.