Ukraine's Indigenous Missiles and Drones Creating Fuel Crisis in Russia, Disrupting Moscow's Military Plans

Zelensky stated that he desires additional long-range weapons from the United States. (File)

Kyiv:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reports that strikes on Russian oil facilities using Ukraine's newly developed long-range missiles and drones are creating significant gas shortages in Russia. Additionally, on the battlefield, a recent Ukrainian counter-offensive has disrupted Russia's plans to capture portions of the eastern Donetsk region.

According to Zelensky, Ukraine's new Palianytsia missile has successfully targeted dozens of Russian military depots. The Ruta missile drone recently struck a Russian offshore oil platform over 250 kilometers away, which Zelensky described as "a major success" for this new weapon.

Additionally, swarms of Liutyi and Fire Point long-range drones—up to 300 units in a single operation—have targeted Russian energy facilities, while Ukrainian forces have recently deployed Neptune and Flamingo missile systems against Russia.

During a Wednesday news briefing (with remarks embargoed until Thursday), Zelensky indicated that Russian fuel shortages and increased imports suggest Ukraine's attacks are effective.

"The main thing is that (Russia is) now importing gasoline—that's a signal," he stated. Ukrainian intelligence reports reveal that Russia has increased imports from Belarus sixfold and removed import duties, while also sourcing fuel from China.

"According to our data, they've lost up to 20% of their gasoline supply—precisely after our strikes," Zelensky added.

Russian officials have not made any public comments regarding possible gas shortages.

The success of weapons designed and manufactured in Ukraine represents a positive development for Kyiv after more than three years of resisting Russia's invasion, as Moscow continues to deploy its larger army and economic resources in attempts to overcome its neighbor.

While Ukraine has received Western military aid, it has been frustrated by restrictions imposed by the United States and European allies on conducting deep strikes into Russia, due to concerns about escalating the conflict.

Ukraine has invested heavily in weapons development and has rapidly become a global center for defense innovation.

Zelensky expressed his desire for the United States to provide Ukraine with additional long-range weapons, specifically mentioning American-made Tomahawk missiles capable of carrying large warheads, which Washington has previously declined to provide.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who has faced challenges in his efforts to end the war due to Russian objections, stated earlier this week that he has "sort of made a decision" regarding sending Tomahawks to Ukraine, though he did not elaborate further.

"At the last meeting I did not hear 'no,'" Zelensky remarked regarding his request for Tomahawks, adding that U.S. officials had agreed to address the matter at a technical level.

A delegation led by Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko is scheduled to visit the U.S. early next week for discussions about air defense, energy cooperation, sanctions, and the use of frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's war effort.

Regarding battlefield developments, Zelensky indicated that the most intense fighting continues around Pokrovsk and Dobropillia in the eastern Donetsk region, where Ukrainian troops have launched a counter-offensive operation he characterized as "very difficult but very timely—and successful."

"This operation derailed Russia's summer offensive campaign," he stated, adding that Moscow's alleged plan to occupy much of the Donetsk region by November had failed.

According to Zelensky, Russian commanders have been ordered "to take Pokrovsk at any cost," citing intercepted Russian military communications.

Zelensky also revealed that Ukraine has contingency plans to protect its natural gas infrastructure, which has been heavily targeted by Russian attacks in recent weeks as winter approaches.

"We have Plan A and Plan B," he explained. "Plan A is to rely more on our own extraction. Plan B... is to switch to imports. We understand the volumes, the cost of those imports, and where to get the necessary funds."