Ukraine's Secret Drone Campaign Disrupts Russian Fuel Supply Deep Inside Borders

Ukraine has developed a sophisticated and covert long-range drone campaign targeting critical Russian infrastructure, particularly oil refineries and fuel depots, extending strikes up to 1,000 kilometers into Russian territory. These homebuilt drones, such as the low-cost Liutyi, have inflicted significant damage, forcing fuel rationing and compelling Russia to import fuel due to losses of up to 20% in gasoline output, according to President Zelenskyy and analyses by the Carnegie Endowment. The campaign has reshaped the conflict's geography by pressuring Russian defenses deeper within their borders and expanding Ukraine's strategic reach despite limited western missile support. Additionally, Ukraine has integrated advanced AI technologies to enhance drone warfare efficiency, enabling rapid target identification and semi-autonomous operations that have revolutionized battlefield tactics. Complementing offensive drone use, Ukrainian units have pioneered underground drone defense teams that intercept and destroy Russian reconnaissance drones, employing cost-effective drone-on-drone combat to challenge Russian air supremacy. Together, these advancements in both offensive and defensive drone warfare illustrate a transformative shift in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, leveraging innovation and resilience to counteract superior conventional forces.