Ukraine establishes long-range command to intensify strikes on Russia

• Ukraine is establishing a new "long-range impact" command within its armed forces.
• The command aims to reduce Russia's capacity to wage war by targeting its energy and logistics infrastructure.
• Recent Ukrainian drone strikes have hit multiple oil refineries and ports in Russia.
• These strikes have led to a ban on Russian diesel exports and restrictions on shipping.
• Ukraine views these actions as a fair response to Russian attacks and a means to push for peace negotiations.

Ukraine is establishing a new "long-range impact" command within its armed forces to intensify its campaign against Russian energy and logistics infrastructure, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced. This strategic shift aims to further degrade Russia's ability to fund and sustain its war effort.

Recent Ukrainian drone attacks have targeted key energy facilities, including oil refineries in the Krasnodar and Leningrad regions, as well as oil terminals and depots in the Rostov region. These strikes have forced Russia to ban diesel exports to ensure domestic supply and have led to significant reductions in gasoline output. The port of Taganrog and shipping channels in the Sea of Azov have also been affected, with Ukraine reporting damage to numerous fuel vessels.

Kyiv frames these actions as a necessary and fair response to Russia's prolonged attacks on Ukrainian territory, intended to pressure Moscow into peace negotiations. Officials have stated that the new command will utilize all available resources to diminish Russia's war-waging capacity. While experts caution against declaring a turning point in the conflict, the intensified strikes represent a departure from earlier stages of the war and a direct challenge to Russia's economic and logistical capabilities.