Ukraine's intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, has indicated a strategic shift towards increasing attacks on critical infrastructure within Russia.
Speaking to CNN on January 31, Budanov highlighted plans for significant operations against Russian military and infrastructure targets, aiming to expose the "real picture" to Russian citizens, including oil depots on fire and damaged industrial facilities.
Although Budanov refrained from directly confirming Ukraine's involvement in recent attacks on Russia's infrastructure, the implications of his statements suggest a more aggressive approach in the conflict.
This stance aligns with reports of a drone attack on the "Nevsky Mazut" oil refinery in Saint Petersburg on the same day, resulting in a fire and notable damage.
The incident at the refinery, attributed to a direct drone hit by sources within Ukrainian intelligence to NV, contrasts with Russian claims of intercepting the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a C-400 complex, resulting in drone debris causing the damage.
This development points towards a challenging winter for Russia as Ukraine signals its readiness to escalate operations against key targets inside Russian territory, marking a potential increase in the intensity and scope of the conflict.
