Ukraine deploys its own capabilities in long-range confrontation with Russia. Serhiy Zgurets' column

Ukraine's use of Storm Shadow on Russian territory 

Great Britain is again deliberating whether Ukraine can use Storm Shadow cruise missiles against targets within Russian territory. One parliamentarian, the shadow defense minister of Great Britain, James Cartlidge, inquired about the country's stance on this matter. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard officially responded, stating that the UK's position on Storm Shadow remains unchanged and that the equipment provided by Great Britain is intended for the defense of Ukraine.

This response implies that, contrary to Ukraine's expectations, the British Storm Shadow can still be used only at airfields in Crimea or other occupied Ukrainian territories. However, within a 300 km zone inside Russia, specifically in the Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod regions, there are at least 20 airfields used as "jump" airfields or base airfields from which Russian fighters and bombers launch attacks, dropping air defense systems on Ukrainian cities and defense lines at a rate of about 100 bombs per day. Destroying aircraft at these bases is the most logical way to inflict damage on Russia and reduce its offensive potential.

Attack on three airfields in Russia

Ukraine is deploying its own capabilities in a long-range confrontation with Russia. Innovations from Ukraine's defense and industrial sectors are yielding remarkable outcomes. A notable example is the operation on the night of July 27, executed by the Main Directorate of Intelligence, also known as HUR, targeting three Russian airfields: Engels in the Saratov region, Dyagilevo in the Ryazan region, and the Olenya base in the Murmansk region.

The President of Ukraine highlighted that the Ninth Department of HUR struck a target 1,800 kilometers away. This clearly refers to the Olenya air base, home to Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bombers. On July 29, HUR representative Andriy Yusov cautiously confirmed that one Russian bomber was hit and damaged. The operation utilized drones, though the specific type remains unidentified. Ukraine possesses a variety of long-range systems capable of covering up to 1,800 kilometers.

The strike on the Olenya airfield is significant for its range. Previously, Ukrainian drones destroyed an oil refinery 1,000 km away and hit the Shahed drone production site at 1,200 km. Now, they’ve reached 1,800 km. If satellite images verify the strike's success, this operation could be repeated. This marks a shift in Ukraine's military strategy, focusing on deep air strikes within Russia. This strategy is becoming more systematic and widespread. Crucially, Ukraine's plans are supported by partners with long-range missiles. Political backing is essential to ensure these missiles reach deep into Russian territory.

Situation in the Kharkiv direction

So far, Russia is leveraging its numerical advantage, particularly in personnel. Currently, Russian troops are conducting assault operations across a large portion of the front, despite their own losses. They understand that increased military aid to Ukraine is imminent, and their window of opportunity may close soon. Therefore, they are trying to advance in various parts of the front.

Vitaliy Lytvyn, a Hero of Ukraine and an officer in the intelligence department of the NGU's Rubizh brigade, reported that in his unit's area of operations in the Kharkiv direction, the main problem is Russian operational-tactical aviation, which strikes with unguided missiles and guided bombs. Russia conducts reconnaissance by sending detachments of 10-12 servicemen. If they find resistance, they search for another area. Once they identify a vulnerable spot, they send a larger number of personnel. In these areas, they use operational-tactical aviation to prepare for a full-scale assault. However, Ukraine's FPV drones and artillery adjustment drones detect and destroy Russian assault groups before they can conduct reconnaissance or assault operations.

The officer noted that Russian troops are beginning assaults around the village of Hlyboke. Initially, they conduct reconnaissance by combat, then attempt to advance with more troops supported by armored vehicles, tanks, or infantry fighting vehicles. Despite their efforts, Russian forces have not succeeded on this part of the front. Similarly, Ukrainian forces have not advanced there either, resulting in a stalemate. The permission from Western partners to strike within Russian territory has extended their logistics lines, complicating their operations in this direction.

The military stated that there are no unique aspects to the Russian use of assault groups. They utilize FPV drones, a large number of ammunition, and various systems. The most notable feature is their use of over 100 guided aerial bombs (KABs) per day along the entire battlefront, with around 40% targeting the Kharkiv area. In the Lyptsi-Hlyboke direction, the intensity of Russian assaults may be one attempt per day, but the use of operational-tactical aviation is significant. In Spirne, assaults continue without interruption, but Russian aircraft use is minimal. Russian troops deploy many FPV drones and drones equipped with explosive drops. In the Siversk direction, the intensity is much higher than in the Kharkiv direction.

Lytvyn observed that both sides are continuously improving their electronic warfare (EW). When Ukrainian EW advances, Russians switch to different frequencies, necessitating the modernization of their UAVs and other reconnaissance tools. Similarly, Ukrainian UAVs are being upgraded. This ongoing technology race requires looking ahead to anticipate the frequencies Russians might use, so Ukrainian EW systems are prepared in advance.

Therefore, it's essential to plan for the future and invest in EW production today to ensure effectiveness tomorrow. Modern warfare is ever-evolving. For example, the widespread use of FPV drones introduces new training requirements for infantrymen, who must recognize the sounds of different drones and know how to camouflage themselves from thermal imagers. This means continuous improvement for instructors who operate in combat zones, gather experience, and then pass it on to new recruits. Enhancing military training is an ongoing process integral to overall preparedness.