Ministry: Kyiv extends reach of drone attacks deep into Russia

Ukraine’s Defence Forces have expanded the operational range of their strike drones by 170% since the start of the full-scale war, significantly increasing their ability to target sites deep inside Russian territory, according to the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.

In 2022, Ukrainian drones were capable of striking targets at distances of up to 650 kilometres, including attacks on Tu-95 strategic bombers stationed at the Engels-2 airbase in Russia’s Saratov region, the ministry said on Facebook.

By 2024, the range had increased to 1,200 kilometres. At that stage, Ukrainian forces targeted a Shahed drone production facility in Alabuga, as well as the Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat oil refinery, located approximately 1,500 kilometres from the border.

In 2026, Ukraine set a new record strike distance of 1,750 kilometres. At this range, drones struck the Ukhta oil refinery in Russia’s Komi Republic.

The Defence Ministry said that in March alone, Ukrainian drones carried out strikes on five strategic industrial facilities and ten oil refining sites across Russia. The operational geography of these attacks now stretches from Crimea to the Leningrad region, reflecting a broad expansion in reach and targeting capability.

By Tamilla Hasanova