Ukrainian forces are intensifying their mid-range strike campaign, increasing their ability to counter Russian missile attacks. This was reported by analysts at the Institute for the Study of War.
Ukrainian attacks
The US-based Institute for the Study of War published an assessment of Russia’s offensive campaign on March 14. The report describes both Russian and Ukrainian attacks. It notes that Ukraine has recently been destroying Russian facilities used to wage the war.
Ukrainian forces conducted long-range strikes on Russian military and oil infrastructure during the night of March 13–14. Ukraine targeted the Afipsky oil refinery and Russia’s Port Kavkaz. As a result, the refinery’s main processing unit was destroyed, while the port’s mooring system was damaged.
Ukraine also struck the Russian vessels Slavyanin and Avangard. The first vessel was disabled by the attack. Ukrainian forces also hit the Khanskaya airfield at the Maykop airbase. The site hosts a Russian training aviation base and can receive aircraft such as Tu-134, An-12, and Il-18. Ukrainian forces also struck the KuibyshevAzot chemical plant during the night of March 10–11.
According to analysts, Ukraine is intensifying its mid-range strike campaign. This generally refers to targets located about 20 to 120 kilometers from the front line. However, the report notes that Ukrainian forces are also capable of conducting similar strikes deeper into Russian-controlled territories.
The report states that Ukrainian forces struck an Iskander-M ballistic missile system launcher in occupied Crimea, as well as the Nebo-U radar system. They also targeted warehouses, air defense positions, command posts, and concentrations of Russian personnel.
Obstructing Russia’s offensive
Ukrainian forces are intensifying their mid-range strike campaign against Russian logistics assets, military equipment, and manpower. Analysts say this will likely hinder the offensive Russia is expected to launch in the spring and summer.
Ukrainian strikes have mainly targeted Russian forces and equipment in eastern and southern Ukraine, where Russian troops have intensified offensive operations in recent weeks. Ukrainian forces have also begun striking Russian multiple launch rocket systems more intensively in the areas of Sloviansk and Kostiantynivka. This will likely degrade Russia’s ability to conduct artillery preparation of the battlefield ahead of any planned ground operations in those directions.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that Ukraine attacked Russian targets during the night of March 14. These included the Maykop military airfield, logistics infrastructure at Port Kavkaz, and defense industry enterprises. Ukrainian drones also disabled the strategic Kremniy El plant in Bryansk, halting the production of missile components.
