Ukraine Forms Long-Range Command to Intensify Strikes on Russian Economy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced the signing of a decree to establish a new "long-range impact" command within the country's armed forces. The move formalizes and aims to intensify a months-long campaign of drone strikes targeting critical Russian energy and logistics infrastructure.

A New Strategic Focus

In his evening address, Zelenskiy stated the new unit's objective is to have a "global impact on Russia in response to this war." He emphasized that the command will focus 100% of its resources on "further reducing Russia’s capacity to wage war."

This development institutionalizes a strategy that has seen Ukrainian drones repeatedly strike deep inside Russian territory. Kyiv frames these attacks as a necessary response to Russia's ongoing invasion and a direct assault on the economic engine funding Moscow's war effort.

Mounting Economic Pressure on Moscow

The campaign has already had a measurable impact on the Russian economy. Citing a fuel crisis in occupied Crimea and shortages elsewhere, Moscow banned diesel exports on Wednesday to secure its domestic supply. The strikes have also hit production capacity.

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According to industry sources and Reuters calculations, Russia's domestic gasoline output has fallen to approximately 65% of capacity. The economic repercussions extend to logistics and trade:

• Several Russian refineries have been forced to temporarily suspend some operations.
• Russia has temporarily halted shipping through a key channel linking the Don River with the Sea of Azov, a move that two grain export sources said could affect nearly one-quarter of Russian wheat exports in the region.
• Ukraine's drone forces commander, Robert Brovdi, said that nearly 50 fuel vessels have been damaged in the last five days, shrinking Moscow's "shadow fleet."

Recent Attacks and Context

Recent attacks have been frequent and widespread. On Friday alone, Ukraine's general staff reported successful strikes on the Ilsky oil refinery in the Krasnodar region and the Ust-Luga oil complex in the Leningrad region. An oil terminal and depot in the Rostov region were also hit, according to the statement.

While the successful strikes represent a significant strategic evolution from the earlier, more attritional phases of the conflict, some experts caution that it is too soon to determine if Ukraine has turned the tide of the war. Ukrainian officials acknowledge their own country remains vulnerable to Russian ballistic missiles, which Zelenskiy has called Moscow's last major advantage.