Mikkel Christensen
Ukraine’s long-range drones are now striking targets more than 1,500km inside Russia as Kyiv ramps up pressure on energy and military infrastructure.
Ukraine’s expanding long-range drone campaign is increasingly reaching deep inside Russian territory, with new strikes reported in the Orenburg region more than 1,500 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
The latest attacks underline Kyiv’s growing focus on targeting energy, industrial and military-linked infrastructure far from the front lines.
Drones hit key region
According to TVP World, citing Russian independent outlet Astra, a drone strike damaged a residential building in the city of Orenburg.
Astra reported the building was located roughly four kilometers from the Strela plant, which produces components used in cruise missiles and military aircraft.
Russian regional officials confirmed damage to the apartment building but did not publicly identify who launched the attack.
Electronic warfare suspected
Independent Russian media suggested the drone may have been diverted after encountering Russian electronic warfare systems.
Regional governor Yevgeny Solntsev said residents were evacuated after the strike damaged the roof and shattered windows in the building.
He also warned residents that the threat of further drone activity remained high across the region.
Energy infrastructure targeted
Separate reports indicated that the Orsknefteorgsintez oil refinery was also targeted during the overnight assault.
Ukrainian Telegram channel Supernova Plus identified the refinery as one of several sites affected during the attack.
The Orenburg region borders Kazakhstan and hosts several industrial and energy facilities viewed as strategically important to Russia’s economy and military supply chain.
Ukraine expands long-range strategy
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later confirmed strikes on infrastructure connected to Russia’s gas sector in Orenburg.
Ukrainian officials increasingly describe these operations as part of a broader strategy aimed at disrupting Russia’s logistics, energy exports and military production capabilities far from active combat zones.
Long-range drone operations have become a growing feature of the war as Ukraine attempts to apply economic and operational pressure deep inside Russian territory.
Ceasefire collapse followed by renewed attacks
The strikes came shortly after a temporary U.S.-mediated Victory Day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine ended.
Since the pause expired, both sides have resumed drone and missile attacks across multiple regions.
Russian strikes on Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region on Tuesday reportedly killed civilians and damaged residential buildings in Kryvyi Rih.
Zelenskyy condemned the attacks and again called for stronger international pressure on Moscow alongside additional air defense support for Ukraine.
Sources: TVP World, Astra, Supernova Plus, statements from Ukrainian and Russian officials
