- September 8, 2024
- 5:44 pm
- Ukraine
Massive strikes on the night of September 1, 2024 by Ukraine on strategic facilities in Russia, including power plants and oil refineries, indicate growing tensions in the current conflict. One of the most significant strikes was the attack on the Konakovskaya GRES, one of the largest power plants in central Russia, as well as on gas distribution networks in the Tver region and oil refineries in Moscow. This event became another round of escalation, to which Russia, out of habit, responded with strikes on civilian facilities in Ukraine, not finding anything more “original” than continuing its destructive tactics.
Russia’s tactics in waging war against Ukraine have long been clear: stockpiling missiles that are then used to launch massive strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure, primarily energy generating facilities. This approach allows Russia to inflict significant damage on Ukraine by paralyzing important nodes of the country’s energy system. However, when the stockpiled missiles are insufficient, the Russian military switches to using less accurate weapons such as the Shahed and S-300. These weapons, especially when there are problems with targeting, strike primarily at civilian targets, which fits into the overall strategy of terrorizing and intimidating the Ukrainian population.
On the other hand, Ukraine is responding in kind, striking Russian strategic targets deep in the country. On the night of September 1, 2024, Ukrainian drones attacked multiple targets in Russia, including the Ryazan, Tula, Voronezh, Lipetsk, Bryansk, Belgorod, Kursk and Moscow regions. This operation was one of the largest since the beginning of the conflict. The main strikes were on oil refineries and gas distribution facilities, which led to significant destruction and fires. Thus, the Kapotnya oil refinery, which provides 40% of Moscow's gasoline needs and 50% of its diesel fuel, was seriously damaged. This plant plays a key role in the capital's fuel supply, refueling every third car in Moscow and providing materials for repairing half of Moscow's roads.
The operation was a shining example of asymmetric warfare, where Ukraine, lacking heavy missiles and long-range aviation, effectively used unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to inflict significant damage on Russian infrastructure. Russian air defense proved ineffective in repelling such a massive attack, despite numerous government statements that all drones were allegedly shot down.
The scaling of Ukrainian attacks is becoming apparent, and this is causing serious concern in Russia. Not only are Ukrainian drones flying farther and more accurately, but their numbers are also increasing. This demonstrates the growing complexity of Russia’s defense, as the country cannot adequately protect all of its key facilities. At the same time, Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilian targets continue, which only increases Ukrainian anger and the desire to respond with even greater force.
The Kremlin’s strategy raises many questions: Does Moscow really believe that it can break the spirit of the nation by striking at Ukrainian civilians? Or is its goal to force Ukraine to respond with equal force against Russian civilian targets, which could escalate the conflict to even more destructive proportions? Some analysts believe that the Kremlin continues to live in an imaginary reality in which the “Kiev regime” is a minor threat that is unable to respond to Russia’s actions. However, reality shows otherwise: strikes against Moscow, such as the recent attack by 150 drones, demonstrate that Ukraine is capable of launching serious strikes deep into Russian territory.
It is clear that the Kremlin underestimates Ukraine’s capabilities and the tenacity of its people. Instead of breaking the Ukrainians’ will, Russia’s actions only strengthen their resolve to fight to the end. This asymmetric war continues to escalate, and each new attack only strengthens Ukraine’s desire to defend its independence and strike back.
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