Ukraine escalates aerial attacks on Russian infrastructure

Ukraine has rapidly advanced its drone technologies, conducting frequent attacks on targets such as oil refineries, power substations, and energy infrastructure. These strikes are also aimed at disrupting Russian military logistics in occupied areas and are seen as an effort to bring the war home to the Russian populace and business elite, potentially pressuring them to seek an end to the conflict. The campaign also serves the pragmatic aim of stretching Russia's resources by forcing it to divert assets to intercept drone attacks.

Kyiv's strategy involves targeting numerous locations across occupied eastern Ukraine and Russia, compelling Russia to disperse its air defense systems. Recent attacks have highlighted that Russia's defenses were primarily designed for conventional aircraft and missiles, not drones. Ukrainian forces have also intensified strikes on Russian-occupied Crimea, targeting its power and transportation networks.