Ukraine Launches MASSIVE Drone Strike! Begs West for MORE!

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September 1, 2024

Video Summary

I’m going to talk about Ukraine’s efforts to hit deep inside Russia. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, they downed 158 drones last night, but that’s not the real story. The real story is that the drones that got through, although few in number, were able to hit their targets. It’s an expected development, considering that drones are cheap and inexpensive, and a high attrition rate is acceptable.

The Ukrainian strategy is to target Russian oil refineries, gas distribution plants, and the Karisha power plant in Moscow. These are critical infrastructure, and the goal is to disrupt Russia’s ability to function. The Russian military is outraged, but it’s clear that the drones are coming across the border with regular frequency.

What Ukraine wishes it could do is use more powerful weapons, like attack helicopters or Storm Shadows, to inflict more significant damage. However, Western restrictions on these weapons limit their ability to conduct more effective attacks. The Ukrainian defense minister has publicly stated that they have identified over 200 military targets inside Russia that are within reach of attack helicopters or Storm Shadows, but the ability to use these weapons is restricted.

The issue is that the US is hesitant to allow Ukraine to use these weapons, fearing it will lead to a breakdown in Russia’s deterrence. The concept of mutually assured destruction is a delicate balance, and the US is reluctant to upset it. This is evident, as senior US officials reported that Russian forces moved 90% of their aircraft that could be used in Glide bomb attacks away from airfields within range of US-provided weapons.

The fact is that there are many military targets in range of attack helicopters or Storm Shadows that are not air bases, but logistics hubs, supply depots, and military factories. These are objectives of real military value that don’t pose a threat to the deterrent infrastructure. The US’s continued hemming and hawing over this issue is frustrating, not just for Ukraine but for independent commentators like General Ben Hodges, who have said it makes no sense.

The key takeaway is that while the ability to launch deep strikes may not win the war, it can improve Ukraine’s power and forces relative to Russia, and everything they can do to hit Russia’s ability to generate manpower and logistics will have knock-on effects to the battlefield.