Kathmandu— In eastern Ukraine, a specialized unit known as the Kairos Battalion of the Magyars Birds Brigade is launching long-range drones on missions targeting locations inside Russia, sometimes exceeding 2,500km (1,553 miles) from the front lines. These strikes, reaching cities like Moscow and St Petersburg, focus on oil refineries, factories, warehouses, and even major online retailers, with Ukrainian officials framing them as “long-range sanctions” intended to inflict economic damage and psychological pressure on Russia. The increased scale of these drone operations is fueled by Ukraine’s growing domestic production capabilities, allowing it to bypass restrictions from Western partners and pursue a strategy focused on both material losses and eroding Russian morale as the conflict evolves into a war of endurance.

Expanding Drone Campaign

While long-range drones have been used throughout the war, Ukraine has significantly scaled up their deployment in recent months. Kyiv now produces hundreds of one-way attack drones domestically, reducing reliance on external suppliers and enabling strikes deeper into Russian territory. This expansion began in March, despite initial calls for restraint from some Western allies concerned about potential disruptions to global energy markets following the US-Israel war on Iran. Ukraine has justified these attacks by arguing they are effectively enforcing economic pressure that traditional sanctions have failed to deliver.

Targets Beyond Energy Infrastructure

Initially focused on oil and gas facilities – which account for roughly one-fifth of Russia’s federal budget revenues – Ukraine’s long-range drone campaign has broadened its scope. A recent target is Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer, accused by Ukrainian officials of facilitating the sale of dual-use goods, including body armor, military helmets, and components used in drones deployed against Ukrainian forces. Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukraine’s president, explained that these strikes aim to instill fear, inflict business losses, and demonstrate the realities of war to the Russian population.

Strategic Objectives and Morale

Colonel Ray, commander of the Kairos Battalion, described the conflict as a “boxing match,” emphasizing the importance of morale in the later stages. He noted that Ukraine’s success with deep strikes has boosted the outlook of many within the army, fostering a sense of purpose amidst a prolonged war of endurance. According to Colonel Ray, Ukrainian soldiers are driven by a clear objective – defending their people and land – while Russia continues to struggle with defining its own rationale for the conflict.

The Kairos Battalion anticipates continuing these drone launches nightly, adapting tactics based on intelligence gathered from Russian air defenses to maximize effectiveness and minimize exposure. The long-term impact of this strategy remains to be seen as Ukraine seeks to sustain pressure on Russia through a combination of military action and economic disruption.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.