Ukraine Forms Long-Range Strike Command as Attacks Hit Russian Oil and Grain Exports

Ukraine is establishing a dedicated “long-range impact” command within its armed forces to intensify strikes against Russia's economic and logistical assets, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced. The move formalizes a strategy that has increasingly targeted Russian energy facilities, leading to significant disruptions in fuel production and exports.

In his evening address, Zelenskiy said he signed a decree to create the special command, stating its purpose is to focus 100% of available resources on degrading Russia's ability to finance and sustain its war effort. "This command must focus... on further reducing Russia’s capacity to wage war," he said, according to a Reuters report.

Energy Sector Under Pressure

The announcement follows a consistent campaign of Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian energy infrastructure. On Friday alone, Ukraine's general staff reported successful strikes on major facilities, including:

• The Ilsky oil refinery in the Krasnodar region.
• The Ust-Luga oil refining complex in the Leningrad region.
• An oil terminal and depot in the Rostov region.

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These attacks have had a measurable impact on the Russian economy. According to industry sources and Reuters calculations, Russian domestic gasoline output has fallen to approximately 65% of capacity. In response to growing domestic fuel shortages, Moscow banned diesel exports on Wednesday to secure its own supply.

Shipping and Grain Exports Disrupted

The campaign has expanded to maritime logistics, directly affecting Russia's commodity exports. Robert Brovdi, Ukraine’s drone forces commander, stated that recent strikes damaged nearly 50 fuel vessels over five days, claiming Moscow’s "shadow fleet is shrinking." Following strikes on tankers, Russia temporarily halted shipping through a key channel connecting the Don River with the Sea of Azov, according to two grain export industry sources.

Experts noted this disruption could impact nearly one-quarter of Russian wheat exports that transit through the area, representing another significant economic blow. While the successful strikes mark a strategic shift for Kyiv, analysts caution that it is too early to determine if they can decisively turn the tide of the conflict, as Ukraine remains vulnerable to Russian missile attacks.