Ukraine Shifts to Long-Range Strikes on Russian Energy and Military Sites

Ukraine has carried out repeated long-range strikes on Russian energy infrastructure and military production sites since adopting a new strategy in March 2025. The approach focuses on degrading Russia’s economy and war-making capacity rather than attempting to retake occupied territory through large-scale ground offensives.

April, Ukrainian forces struck 20 oil refineries and export terminals. One attack on the Tuapse refinery on April 28 produced thick black smoke that spread across more than 300 kilometers. 69 million barrels in April, the lowest level since December 2009. Russia’s seaborne oil shipments also dropped by roughly 300,000 barrels per day in March.

Drones struck the Angstrem Microelectronics plant in Zelenograd and the MKB Raduga cruise-missile design center in Dubna, about 80 miles north of Moscow. The Institute for the Study of War recorded a net loss of Russian-held territory in Ukraine during April, the first such month since August 2024. Russian forces have not advanced on the battlefield this spring.

9, Russian President Vladimir Putin called for a cease-fire ahead of Victory Day celebrations in Moscow. The annual military parade featured no heavy equipment this year. According to the Moscow Times, Kremlin officials are preparing to present any future peace agreement as a victory while shifting emphasis away from earlier goals of capturing all of Ukraine.

“The war was brought from Russia, and it is to Russia that the war must be pushed back. ”

Ukrainian officials say the strikes are intended to increase pressure on Russia to negotiate while preserving Ukrainian forces for defensive operations.