Ukraine Will Continue Developing Deep Strikes — Khmara

Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara has stated that Ukraine will continue developing deep strikes to weaken Russia's ability to wage war. Since the beginning of long-range operations, 51% of Russia's oil refining capacity has been disabled. Ukraine aims not just to strike far, but to target Russia's ability to continue the conflict.

The economic impact of the systematic attacks against Russia's oil refining sector has been significant. As of now, 51% of Russia's oil refining capacity has been knocked out due to these operations.

Khmara emphasized that Ukraine is enhancing the quality and effectiveness of its assets, including improving their capability to penetrate layered Russian air defenses. Since the start of autumn, the Ukrainian Defense Forces have targeted eight launch systems used by the Russian army for ballistic strikes against Ukrainian territory. Among these, three systems were destroyed, and five damaged.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense is collaborating with partners to expedite the delivery of weapons to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as waiting for large, long-term contracts is not the priority. Instead, Ukraine seeks to acquire available stockpiles of missiles as quickly as possible, with the goal of delivering dozens and hundreds of missiles rather than isolated deliveries.

In addition to deep strikes, Ukraine is engaging in an asymmetric response by persistently targeting Russian launch systems. Military commentator Denys Popovych noted that Ukraine's air defense system should be layered to effectively neutralize aerial threats, particularly unmanned aerial vehicles. It's worth remembering that Ukraine's Defense Forces have conducted precise strikes on two Russian oil refineries, one in Omsk and another in Ukhta.