Ukraine strikes deep behind Russia’s rear due to weak air defense – ISW

Ukrainian defense forces are more actively exploiting the weaknesses of Russian air defenses and striking strategic targets far behind the front line.

This is stated in a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Analysts note that Russian air defense is operating at the limit of its capabilities and is forced to cover a vast territory, which creates critical vulnerabilities.

Recent attacks demonstrate an increase in both the range and intensity of Ukrainian operations.

In particular, on the night of April 26, Ukrainian forces struck an oil refinery in Yaroslavl, one of the key facilities of the Russian Federation’s fuel infrastructure. A fire and likely damage to important installations were recorded there.

In temporarily occupied Sevastopol, the strikes damaged ships, radar systems, and the infrastructure of the Belbek airfield.

The Russian side reported dozens of drones during this attack.

ISW emphasizes that since March, Ukraine has significantly intensified its long-range strike campaign. In recent weeks, at least ten attacks on Russian oil and gas infrastructure have been recorded.

The strikes are reaching increasingly remote regions, including Chelyabinsk, which is more than 1,800 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.

Analysts explain that the main problem of Russian air defense is the scale of the territory and the large number of objects to protect. The massive use of drones makes interception even more difficult.

Experts expect that Ukraine will continue to increase such attacks amid increased production of drones.