Russia Shifts Air Defenses Amid Ukrainian Drone Strikes

KYIV, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reported that Russia is reallocating much of its air defense systems to protect strategic locations, particularly Moscow, as Ukrainian drones target facilities deep within Russia.

On Thursday, President Zelenskiy noted that Ukrainian forces launched nighttime attacks on two oil refineries located in Ufa, around 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) from the front lines, as well as oil depots in the Krasnodar region, some 300 kilometers (180 miles) from Ukraine.

In recent months, Ukraine has intensified its airstrikes against Russian military and energy sites, leading to fuel shortages and disruptions in military supply chains. This escalation has complicated Russia’s plans for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a conflict ongoing for over four years.

In a daily update late Wednesday, Zelenskiy mentioned that Russia is not only strengthening air defenses in the capital but also in Valdai, a town approximately 500 kilometers (300 miles) northwest of Moscow where President Vladimir Putin has a residence. This move reportedly aims to secure the Kerch Bridge, a crucial supply route connecting Crimea to mainland Russia.

“In the Moscow area alone, we are seeing the collection of hundreds of missile launchers for air defense,” Zelenskiy commented, adding that nearly 90 launchers were moved to Valdai from other parts of Russia.

The claims made by Zelenskiy, which suggest a Russian leadership more focused on self-defense than broader territorial concerns, cannot be independently verified, and Russian officials have not yet responded.

Ukrainian drones managed to hit targets in both Moscow and St. Petersburg this month, as Ukraine continues efforts to isolate Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. Zelenskiy indicated that these adjustments in air defense practices could leave other regions of Russia exposed to Ukraine’s advanced long-range drones, now capable of traveling over 1,500 kilometers (930 miles).

“There are a lot of challenges for Russia, and this stems from President Putin’s unwillingness to end the war and engage in genuine negotiations for a dignified peace,” Zelenskiy remarked.

President Zelensky also mentioned that he accepted an unconditional ceasefire proposed by former President Donald Trump, which Putin ultimately rejected, leaving the U.S.-led peace initiatives stagnant for a year.

Western officials have pointed out that Ukraine’s situation has improved following years of attrition, with advancements in domestic drone development putting pressure on Russia’s extensive military.

Zelensky noted he secured continued foreign support during a recent G7 summit that included President Trump, asserting that this assistance would empower Ukraine’s military operations even further.

“We have meticulously planned our strategies, particularly regarding Crimea. Based on our discussions with G7 partners, we aim to create an environment where Russia will have to consider peace,” he stated, expressing hope for a favorable response from allies.

In related developments, a factory in Belarus that has been crucial to Russia’s military efforts seems to have deactivated a signal repeater that Ukraine alleges was used to guide drone strikes against its territory. This step follows Zelensky’s previous demand for Belarus to dismantle the relay equipment, with the potential for military action discussed.

Despite claiming some progress, Zelensky conveyed on Telegram that Belarus is enhancing its infrastructure for military use along its border, which raises concerns.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko confirmed a recent meeting with representatives of Zelenskiy, emphasizing Belarus’s desire to avoid conflict with Ukraine while remaining allied with Russia.

Ukrainian military officials have initiated a mandatory evacuation for approximately 1,000 individuals from the Chernihiv region, which borders Russia and Belarus, starting July 1.

The Institute for the Study of War noted that Lukashenko is navigating a complex situation, attempting to manage Russia’s demands while maintaining a neutral stance toward Ukraine.

General Oleksandr Shirushkyi of Ukraine announced last week that defenses are being bolstered, including the establishment of new unmanned units along the northern border.

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia recently launched 90 ballistic missiles and long-range drones into Ukraine overnight, resulting in further casualties.

In one incident, a drone struck a gas station in north-eastern Ukraine, injuring four people. Regional officials indicated that Russian attacks on gas stations in the area have occurred at least 13 times in June alone.

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported intercepting 269 Ukrainian drones between late Wednesday and early Thursday.

As a precaution, several Russian airports briefly restricted nighttime flights due to the drone threat.

Additionally, the French navy seized an oil tanker in the Mediterranean, suspected of being involved with Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” that evades sanctions and whose operations lack transparency.