Russian targets in Belgorod, Kursk, Bryansk are massively destroyed by drones; new threat to Moscow

Ukrainian aviation expert and researcher Valery Romanenko argues that the country should shift its drone strategy away from launching thousands of attacks daily against heavily defended areas like Moscow, instead focusing on targets with minimal air defense in regions such as Belgorod, Kursk, and Bryansk. He emphasizes that while force and numbers can suppress defenses, a more effective approach involves first knocking out radar systems and anti-aircraft missile positions, similar to the strategy used in Crimea, before striking economic facilities and military units. Without radar guidance, launchers and transport vehicles become vulnerable targets, making it crucial for Ukraine to identify and exploit these weak points rather than wasting resources on high-value but well-protected locations. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy supports this strategic pivot by tasking the defense industry with increasing the production of long-range drones to enable daily strikes across Russian territory. He asserts that Ukraine possesses the necessary capacity to boost output, utilizing various drone models with ranges spanning from 300 to 3,500 kilometers, and notes that successful operations have already been conducted despite current funding shortages. The President believes that enhancing this capability is essential to force Russian President Vladimir Putin back to the negotiating table, as increased production will allow for more frequent and impactful strikes against deep targets within Russia. However, Romanenko warns that simply increasing the volume of attacks without strategic precision is counterproductive, especially given the ongoing assaults on Ukrainian enterprises and manufacturers. He points out that while the operations are complex, they must be accompanied by simulators and precise targeting to ensure effectiveness, rather than relying solely on mass launches against cities with robust defenses. The expert highlights that Russia is currently increasing its own deep strike capabilities, which necessitates a smarter allocation of Ukraine's limited resources to maintain competitive advantage and sustain pressure on the Russian war effort. Ultimately, the consensus among these experts is that Ukraine must become more selective in its targeting to maximize the impact of every drone launched. By concentrating efforts on vulnerable areas where air defense infrastructure has been neutralized, Ukraine can achieve greater strategic success without depleting its stockpiles or exposing its own production facilities to unnecessary retaliation. This refined approach aims to leverage existing technological advantages and production capacity to inflict significant damage on Russian military and economic structures while preserving the resources needed for sustained conflict operations.