Ukraine’s precision drone strikes and guided bombs are proving to be more devastating to Russia’s oil industry than Western sanctions ever could.
Ukraine has once again demonstrated its ability to strike strategic Russian targets far beyond the frontlines. In the early hours of February 19, Ukrainian drones attacked the Syzran Oil Refinery in Russia’s Samara region, approximately 800 kilometres from Ukraine. The attack ignited a large fire at the facility, significantly disrupting operations. This is not the first time Ukrainian drones have targeted this site. Last year, a strike disabled a key oil processing structure, which Russia later repaired—only for it to be hit again.
“This is now a systematic effort. Ukrainian drones are proving to be highly effective in targeting Russia’s critical infrastructure,” says Zgurets. “The impact is significant. Following last year’s attacks on oil facilities, Russia’s oil production fell by around 10 percent.”
Ukraine’s Air Force is actively deploying advanced guided bombs to neutralise Russian military positions. While the exact weapon used in a recent strike on Russian forces in Chumatske remains unconfirmed, Ukraine now has multiple precision-guided munitions in its arsenal. MiG-29s and F-16s are using the American-made GBU-39, which has a glide range of 110 kilometres, while JDAM-ER bombs, also supplied by the United States, use satellite navigation to strike targets up to 70 kilometres away. France has also provided Hammer munitions, which combine the capabilities of both bombs and missiles, extending Ukraine’s ability to strike Russian targets from high altitudes.
At least several Ukrainian companies are actively working on aviation bombs with similar guidance systems, marking a major step towards self-sufficiency. Ukraine is increasing its ability to not only defend its frontlines but also disrupt Russian war efforts deep inside enemy territory. Unlike Western sanctions, which limit Russia’s revenue, these strikes directly weaken its war machine by destroying key infrastructure, increasing defence costs, and forcing resources away from the battlefield.
Ukraine’s ability to strike deep into Russian territory signals a turning point in the war. While Russia once believed its energy sector was untouchable, Ukrainian ingenuity has shattered that illusion. Each successful attack on Russian oil infrastructure weakens the Kremlin’s capacity to sustain its invasion, proving that Ukrainian resilience is more effective than any embargo imposed from the West.
