On the morning of Thursday, July 9, a series of explosions rocked the Russian cities of Mikhailovsk (Stavropol Krai) and Tver, as drones targeted local oil depots, according to the Exilenova+ Telegram channel. Local residents shared footage showing massive fires and thick columns of black smoke rising from the energy infrastructure facilities.
The strategic significance of these strikes lies in the distance; both targets are located approximately 500 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. This incident once again underscores the vulnerability of the Russian interior, effectively challenging Moscow’s assertions regarding the invulnerability of its deep-rear regions. As modern conflict continues to test global resilience, the ability to strike infrastructure essential to the Russian military machine is becoming a critical component of Ukraine’s defense strategy.
In recent months, the patterns of these strikes have evolved. While previous operations largely focused on major refineries (NPZ), the current scope now includes oil depots and pipeline distribution centers. Recent successful operations by Ukrainian forces—ranging from the Saratov and Nizhnekamsk regions to a facility in Bashkortostan, located 1,500 kilometers from the border—demonstrate a sophisticated and expanding reach. These strikes prove that the Russian air defense systems, even deep within the country, are increasingly ineffective at protecting assets that sustain the ongoing invasion.
By targeting the ‘war economy,’ Ukraine is systematically eroding the resources required to maintain the aggressor’s logistics. Each fire at an oil facility represents a disruption in the supply chain that supports frontline operations. As the conflict persists, it is becoming clear that the illusion of a ‘safe’ Russian rear is fading. The persistence of these long-range strikes not only complicates logistical management for the Kremlin but also serves as a stark reminder that the cost of the war will inevitably be felt deep within the aggressor’s own territory.