Maps show Ukraine's extensive reach into Russian territory

Ukraine has intensified its campaign of long-range strikes into Russian territory, a strategic shift aimed at crippling Russia's war effort and forcing an end to the conflict. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered a 40-day strike campaign to "press for an end to the war," targeting key supply lines and energy infrastructure.

“

Now, no Russian oil refinery is beyond the reach of Ukrainian weapons.

These attacks have triggered a fuel crisis and are increasingly straining Russian businesses, people, and air defenses. Analysts suggest this escalation marks a significant evolution in the four-year conflict, moving beyond a frontline stalemate to a battle of long-range capabilities. The war's character is changing, reflecting lessons from modern warfare.

Ukraine's enhanced reach is attributed to improved, locally made long-range drones. These weapons now strike deep inside Russia, hitting economic and energy targets previously out of reach. The Omsk oil refinery, located approximately 2,700 kilometers from Ukraine-held territory, was struck, with President Zelenskyy stating that "no Russian oil refinery is beyond the reach of Ukrainian weapons."

“

I think that has wider implications. When you take that and also add the lessons from the Middle East conflict, it has wider implications on the character of warfare and how modern warfare will now be fought.

According to Ukraine's Security Service, at least 100 successful strikes were conducted during the 40-day campaign. Drone warfare expert Oleksandra Molloy notes Ukraine's tactical, operational, and strategic improvements, developing capabilities at scale to ensure "no distance is safe." This has fundamentally altered the defense equation, with projections of millions of drones being produced annually.

“

They … have changed the defence equation overall.