An increase in the intensity of the attacks appears to have started in December, continued through the whole of January and is still being maintained into February, according to analysis of drone strikes confirmed by the Ukrainian armed forces and security services.Breaking
Breaking
Sky News analysis shows an increase in Ukrainian drone strikes against Russian oil depots and other facilities linked to oil production over the past three months – with Kyiv hitting targets hundreds of miles into Russian territory in defiance of air defences
Play Video – Ukraine ramps up attacks on oil depots
Ukraine ramps up attacks on oil depots
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Ukraine has ramped up long-range drone strikes into Russia, targeting oil facilities that fuel warplanes, ships and military vehicles as well as oil refineries that help power the economy.
An increase in the intensity of the attacks appears to have started in December, continued through the whole of January and is still being maintained into February, according to analysis of drone strikes confirmed by the Ukrainian armed forces and security services.
A Ukrainian intelligence source said Ukraine has “significantly increased” the production of drones to attack Russia as well as improving their accuracy and range. “This increase will continue,” they said.
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Preventing Russian oil from powering Vladimir Putin’s war machine was an important goal, according to the source, who asked to speak anonymously for security reasons.
Kristall is among the Russian oil depots hit twice by Ukrainian forces in January. Pic: Planet Labs PBC
“If this oil has not reached the combat zone, it is definitely a successful operation, and we will continue to strike,” the source said.
A Western security source said that the strikes were also aimed at reducing Russia’s ability to export oil, amplifying the impact of Western sanctions against Russian energy and increasing the cost for the Russian president of conducting his war against Ukraine.
Asked about the drone strikes, Andriy Yermak, the head of Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s presidential office, told Sky News: “The only way to force Russia into peace is through strength. And that is crucial for the safety of people everywhere.
