Ukraine creates new command for long-range strikes on Russia

Ukraine moved to formalize its long-range strike campaign on July 10, with Volodymyr Zelenskyy saying he had signed a decree creating a special command inside the Armed Forces of Ukraine to focus on attacks far beyond the front line. He said the new structure must concentrate "100% of the available resources" on reducing Russia's ability to wage war.

The command was meant to deliver "long-range, effectively global, impact on Russia over this war." The move builds on Ukraine's broader reorganization around unmanned warfare, including the creation of the Unmanned Systems Forces and a June 2025 emphasis on drones, interceptor drones and long-range strike drones.

The decision came as Ukrainian drones continued to hit Russian energy and logistics assets. On July 10, strikes hit the Ilsky oil refinery in the Krasnodar region, the Ust-Luga oil refining complex in the Leningrad region, and an oil terminal and oil depot in the Rostov region. Ukraine has framed those attacks as "long-range sanctions" aimed at the revenue and fuel flows that keep Moscow's war machine running. Ukraine also said it hit two Russian refineries and more than a dozen fuel tankers.

On July 8, the Russian government introduced a diesel export ban after systematic drone attacks on oil refineries caused shortages and price spikes in some regions. Drivers in many parts of the country faced hours-long lines to refuel, while domestic gasoline output fell to around 65% of capacity, based on industry sources and calculations.

The campaign has also forced changes in how Russia moves fuel, including restrictions on shipping near the Sea of Azov, which borders the Black Sea.