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Ukraine Launches 200-300 Long-Range Drones Nightly at Russian Targets
Ukrainian forces are conducting nightly strikes with long-range kamikaze drones against Russian oil facilities and military sites. The campaign, which began in early 2024, now averages 200 to 300 drones per night and reached a record scale on June 19.
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Ukrainian military intelligence units are launching between 200 and 300 long-range kamikaze drones each night at targets inside Russia. The drones carry explosive payloads of up to 150 pounds and have a reported range of nearly 1,300 miles. The strikes focus on oil refineries and military installations.
On June 19, Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery near Moscow, producing visible smoke plumes and forcing the temporary closure of four airports.
Technicians assemble the drones, known as Liutyi models, in undisclosed warehouses. Flight routes change nightly to reduce the chance of interception. Ukrainian commanders said the operation combines explosive drones with decoy and missile-type drones to overwhelm Russian air defenses.
Effects Reported Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander
Novak stated in early June that oil production has fallen since the start of the year due to unscheduled maintenance at refineries. Several facilities have reduced output or halted operations after drone strikes. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described the campaign as "long-range sanctions" and linked it to fuel shortages and higher prices inside Russia.
The current nightly volume marks a significant increase from the few dozen drones launched per month when the program began in early 2024. Ukrainian officials said the strikes now reach targets across much of European Russia.
