Ukraine Readies 2,000-Mile Drones for Strikes Deep Inside Russia
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jun 19
Ukraine Readies 2,000-Mile Drones for Strikes Deep Inside Russia
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jun 19
Summary
Ukraine’s military intelligence is preparing long-range drones for strikes inside Russia, with some models able to fly 2,000 miles and carry payloads of more than 500 pounds.
Multiple small launch teams disperse across Ukraine at night and use changing routes, decoy drones and faster jet-powered “Peklo” missile drones to complicate Russian defenses and keep attacks going even if some sites are hit.
Commander “Vector” said the force can reach targets as far as the Urals, while technicians said special navigation and antenna systems let the faster drones hit small targets with high accuracy.
At roughly $230,000 each, the larger drones are part of a data-driven, asymmetric campaign that analysts say is increasingly overwhelming Russian air defenses and reducing the effectiveness of electronic jamming.
Ukraine's battlefield tactics evolve weekly. Are the world's established militaries being left behind by this drone warfare revolution?
As drone strikes cripple its oil exports, how long can Russia's war economy withstand these 'long-range sanctions'?
Ukraine’s Deep Strikes: How 2026 Drone and Missile Attacks Are Disrupting Russia’s War Economy and Redefining European Security
Overview
Ukraine has rapidly escalated its long-range strike capabilities, increasingly targeting deep within Russian territory and focusing on critical energy infrastructure and military facilities. This strategic shift aims to disrupt Russia’s war economy and bring the conflict’s impact closer to the Russian public. A major example was the large-scale drone attack on Moscow’s Kapotnya oil refinery on June 18, 2026, which was struck for the second time in two days, causing visible damage and injuring at least 17 people. These actions highlight Ukraine’s intent to weaken Russia’s military and economic strength through targeted deep strikes.