For years, many expected Russia’s massive military to overwhelm Ukraine quickly. Yet in 2026, the conflict has taken a dramatic turn as Ukraine conducts deep strikes on Russian oil refineries, export terminals, and strategic sites using advanced drones and missiles. These operations aim to disrupt resources that fuel the war effort, bringing the impact of the conflict directly into Russian territory.

Recent weeks have seen intensified Ukrainian drone attacks hitting multiple oil facilities across Russia, including sites in Krasnodar, Samara, and Baltic ports like Primorsk and Ust-Luga. Reports indicate significant damage to storage tanks, loading berths, and processing units, with some estimates suggesting up to 40% of Russia’s oil export capacity affected at times, alongside fires and operational disruptions.

In June 2025, Ukraine executed Operation Spiderweb – a sophisticated covert drone assault that targeted Russian long-range bomber bases deep inside the country, damaging or destroying dozens of aircraft according to various accounts. This highlighted Ukraine’s growing capability to reach far beyond the front lines.

Ukraine has rapidly scaled its domestic drone production, with plans aiming for millions of units annually by 2026, enabling sustained pressure on military and economic targets. Russia, meanwhile, continues large-scale drone and missile barrages against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, resulting in civilian casualties on both sides.