Ukraine Strikes Russian Military and Oil Facilities in Counteroffensive

Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks since the war began, striking deep into Russian territory with 251 drones that hit ammunition factories, oil facilities, and weapons depots across 14 regions. The coordinated overnight assault marks a significant escalation in Ukraine's ability to project force far beyond the front lines.

The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed its forces targeted the Sverdlov ammunition factory in Russia's Nizhny Novgorod region, causing multiple explosions and fires. The facility produces artillery shells and other munitions that Russia uses against Ukrainian forces. Ukraine also hit an oil terminal in occupied Crimea and destroyed a weapons depot belonging to Russia's 18th Combined Arms Army.

Russian authorities acknowledged the scale of the attack, saying their air defenses shot down all 251 Ukrainian drones across 14 regions, plus Crimea and areas near the Black Sea and Sea of Azov. But the successful strikes on strategic targets suggest many drones reached their intended destinations despite Russian defensive efforts.

This represents Ukraine's most ambitious long-range operation to date. The country has been steadily expanding its drone capabilities throughout 2024, developing longer-range systems that can reach hundreds of miles into Russian territory. These attacks aim to disrupt Russia's military supply chains and force Moscow to divert air defense resources away from the front lines.

The timing is significant as both sides prepare for what could be decisive fighting in 2025. Ukraine needs to demonstrate it can still strike back effectively, especially as international military aid faces uncertainty. For Russia, these deep strikes expose vulnerabilities in protecting its military infrastructure despite claims of air defense superiority.

The economic impact extends beyond immediate damage. Oil facilities in Crimea are crucial for Russia's energy exports, while ammunition factories like Sverdlov directly support the war effort. Each successful strike forces Russia to rebuild capacity and potentially relocate production to less vulnerable areas.