“Breaking new ground”: Defense Express on Ukraine’s largest strike on Russian military targets

Military expert Ivan Kyrychevskyi from Defense Express shared his insights on the recent large-scale strike by Ukrainian Defense Forces on Russian military-industrial facilities.

"The scale of the recent strikes is noteworthy. Notably, ATACMS missiles were employed at operational-tactical depths. These missiles, often referred to as long-range, are actually short-range. Interestingly, targets for these missiles were identified not only on the battlefield but also deep within Russian territory, particularly facilities involved in the production of artillery ammunition," Kyrychevskyi noted.

Strategic strikes on fuel Infrastructure to limit aviation

Kyrychevskyi highlighted that the strike on January 14 sets a precedent where, to restrict enemy aviation, attacks are directed not directly at the aircraft but at their fuel infrastructure.

"For instance, repeated strikes near the Engels airbase targeted the Kristall oil depot and a refinery. This suggests that the Russians may still intend to launch massive strikes with strategic aviation on Ukraine’s territory. Such successful attacks create an interesting precedent: instead of hitting airfield infrastructure directly, targeting fuel supply infrastructure can be effective. If the aircraft and shelters remain intact, but there's no fuel, their operational capability is nullified. And, in fact, there are attacks on various chemical industry facilities that produce, among other things, drone hulls," he explained.

Targeting electronics industries to disrupt production

The expert emphasized the importance of striking various industry facilities that produce components for drones.

"Additionally, reports indicate that the Russian electronics plant Kremniy El was hit. While much is said about Western electronics in Russian missiles, it's important to note that Russian-made electronics are also used. Therefore, it's crucial not only to block external supply channels but also to target domestic Russian production in both the chemical and electronics industries," Kyrychevskyi added.

"It's encouraging that we've reached a point where we can launch significant strikes on the enemy's military-industrial capabilities. However, given the vastness of Russia's military-industrial complex, more efforts are needed," he concluded.

• On the night of January 14, Ukrainian Defense Forces conducted their largest strike on Russian military targets up to 1,100 km deep into Russian territory, hitting sites in Bryansk, Saratov, Tula regions, and the Republic of Tatarstan.