Ukrainian forces have intensified drone strikes on Russian supply lines deep in the occupied territories. Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War believe that this tactic could seriously complicate Russian logistics and pave the way for future counteroffensives by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that Ukrainian forces have begun to more actively attack Russian logistics routes at significant distances from the front line.
Analysts estimate that this is no longer about isolated strikes, but rather a more systematic campaign against the supply routes of the Russian army.
ISW noted the published video recordings of Ukrainian drones striking a Russian truck on the T-0509 highway from Mariupol to Donetsk. This road is located approximately 95 kilometers from the front line.
Additionally, Ukrainian drones have been spotted in the Mariupol area and along the M-14 highway, which is used to supply Russian troops in the occupied parts of Zaporizhia and Kherson regions.
Analysts emphasize that these routes are crucial for the Russian army. They are used for the transfer of equipment, ammunition, and supplies for troops in southern and eastern Ukraine.
According to ISW, Ukraine's ability to hit moving targets more than 100 kilometers from the front changes the situation on the battlefield.
In fact, this is an attempt to create a partial air blockade effect — when even the deep rear ceases to be safe for the movement of equipment and supplies.
For the Russian army, this means the need to either strengthen the protection of logistics or change supply routes, which could slow down offensive operations.
ISW believes that systematic strikes on rear infrastructure could play an important role in supporting future Ukrainian counteroffensives — similar to operations that previously helped the Armed Forces of Ukraine regain some territories in the Kupiansk area and southern Ukraine.
Increased attention to the topic emerged after a statement from the Ukrainian unit 'Azov'. They reported strikes on Russian facilities near Mariupol and claim that Ukrainian drones are capable of hitting targets at distances of up to 160 kilometers from the operators' positions.
The drone war in Ukraine continues to evolve rapidly, and long-range strikes on logistics have become one of the most noticeable trends in recent months.
