Ukrainian drone strikes target Russian logistics centers as long-range campaign intensifies

Following extensive Ukrainian drone strikes on a major logistics center near Moscow, footage has emerged showing a massive blaze and thick smoke rising from the site. The facility, one of Russia’s largest retail warehouses, was the target of one of Kyiv’s most significant recent attacks. Simultaneously, the Ukrainian 413th Unmanned Systems Regiment, known as 'Raid,' has been organizing new operations in southern Ukraine to strike military and industrial infrastructure deep within Russian territory.

Yevhen Karas, commander of the unit, confirmed that his forces participated in the strike on the Wildberries warehouse located 45 kilometers (28 miles) south of Moscow. According to Ukrainian officials, the objective of these strikes is to make the consequences of the war tangible for the Russian public and to pressure President Vladimir Putin into accepting peace negotiations. Kyiv has significantly intensified its attacks this year, utilizing domestically produced FP-1 drones to target Russian energy and military facilities.

The attacks, now in their fourth year, have forced the Russian military to stretch its air defense coverage, leading to disruptions at airports and localized fuel shortages. Karas, drawing a parallel to the years of bombardment faced by Kyiv residents, stated that Muscovites should also prepare to spend their nights in the metro to seek safety from incoming strikes.

The 'Raid' regiment, composed of volunteers with diverse backgrounds ranging from computer programmers to musicians, has become a key component of Ukraine’s long-range operations. The unit employs a 'strike and relocate' strategy, utilizing long-range drones to hit targets while frequently moving their launch sites to avoid detection and counter-attacks by Russian forces.