NewsUkraine's new tactic. AI drones target Russian refineries to cripple economy

Ukraine's new tactic. AI drones target Russian refineries to cripple economy

Ukraine Adopts New Strategy Against Russia by Targeting Key Refineries.

Kyiv wants to "cut off oxygen" to Putin. They use artificial intelligence.

Images source: © East News | Titov Yehven/ABACA

11:04 AM EDT, April 3, 2024

In a significant shift in tactics, Ukraine is now focusing on attacking refineries that are especially hard to repair in its conflict with Russia. This move aims to undermine the Russian economy, which continues to perform despite international sanctions.

Lately, Ukraine has embraced a more strategic approach, employing drones equipped with artificial intelligence to carry out precise strikes on refineries, moving away from attacks on mere oil storage facilities.

"These targeted facilities often rely on Western technologies, which are increasingly challenging for Russia to acquire," explained Noah Sylvia, an analyst at the Royal United Services Institute, during a CNN interview.

This strategic pivot is proving to be successful. Helima Croft, the managing director and global head of commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets, observes that by focusing on these targets, Ukraine aims to disrupt the financing of Russia's war efforts significantly.

The focused strategy delivers superior results compared to the previous method of attacking refineries indiscriminately. The repercussions of such targeted actions resonate beyond Russia, affecting global markets as well.

Analysts report that these strikes have led to a noticeable drop in Russia's gasoline production, compelling Moscow to curb its fuel exports. This sustained decrease is putting a strain on the Russian budget.

Experts believe these focused attacks might impact the Russian economy more than the existing sanctions do. Helima Croft notes that sanctions have largely spared the energy sector to date, which is vital to Russia's ability to continue its military operations.

"We must aim to significantly reduce Russia's budgetary resources to effectively weaken Putin's capabilities," stated Wasyl Maluk, head of the Ukrainian intelligence service SBU.

Ukraine's Strategic Advantage Through Artificial Intelligence

Ukraine reports that its strikes have reduced Russian refinery efficiency by up to 12 percent, with Reuters indicating figures as high as 14 percent. Russia acknowledges a dip in its processing capabilities, leading to a temporary gas export embargo to stabilize domestic prices.

To extend the reach of their attacks, Ukrainian forces are utilizing longer-range drones equipped with advanced technology. These drones, operating on artificial intelligence algorithms, navigate autonomously and evade detection, according to a source close to CNN.