FT: Ukraine Has Begun Targeting Russia's Energy Sector In A Unique Way
- 30.07.2026, 7:35
The effect lasted longer.
Ukraine has changed its approach to long-range strikes against Russia’s energy infrastructure, focusing on targeting key components that take a significant amount of time to repair. This tactic is intended to enhance the long-term impact of the attacks and increase Russia’s costs for repairing damaged facilities.
This is reported by the Financial Times.
According to the publication, Ukrainian forces are increasingly targeting not fuel storage tanks or individual buildings, but critical components of oil refineries and other energy facilities. This refers to equipment without which these facilities cannot operate, and which is difficult and time-consuming to replace.
According to the Ukrainian military, long-range drone operators, and energy industry experts, this approach is intended to ensure a longer-lasting effect from the attacks.
“Ukraine will continue to exert military and technological pressure on Russia by all possible means. We must scale up what has already proven effective,” said Acting Minister of Defense Yevhen Khmara.
How Targets Are Selected for Strikes
The publication notes that before carrying out operations, drone operators consult with engineers and relevant experts. They help identify pipelines, connection points, and other components whose failure would have the greatest impact on the facility’s operations.
Former Ukrainian Defense Minister and head of the Center for Defense Strategies Andriy Zagorodnyuk explained that the Ukrainian side analyzes the Russian energy system as a single, interconnected network.
“We view Russia as a system. Understanding this system allows us to identify critical points where the impact will be much more significant,” he said.
Repeated attacks are intended to complicate repairs
According to the FT, Ukrainian units have also begun to launch repeated attacks on the same critical infrastructure elements even before repairs are completed. According to sources, this prevents power facilities from resuming operations quickly.
This approach is confirmed not only by the FT’s sources but also by the publication’s analysis of satellite imagery.
Commander of Unmanned Systems Forces Robert Brovdy (Madyar) stated that strikes on energy infrastructure are part of a broader strategy aimed at reducing the resources Russia uses to wage war.
“The goal is clear: to cut off the sources of funding for Putin’s war and the military-industrial complex supplying weapons to the occupying army,” he emphasized.
What role does intelligence from allies play?
According to Ukrainian officials, intelligence received from the U.S. and France also contributes to more precise target selection.
This information helps identify the locations of Russian air defense systems and the routes along which long-range drones can penetrate deep into Russian territory.