Russia’s ability to wage war could be critically damaged by calculated, long-range Ukrainian attacks targeting key infrastructure, according to military analyst George Barros from the Institute for the Study of War. His latest assessment comes amid escalating Russian operations in Ukraine’s Sumy and Donetsk regions, and as Ukrainian forces continue to hit deep behind enemy lines.
Barros says that precision strikes on fuel depots and military-industrial facilities in Russia — timed to disrupt logistics and operations — could replicate the effectiveness of air interdiction on the battlefield. Speaking on Times Radio’s Front Line, he explained that these attacks should not be sporadic, but rather part of a coordinated campaign aligned with Ukrainian ground movements.
“These should not be random events that just happen on a Tuesday,” Barros said. “They should be spaced and timed so that Russian troops who depend on those supplies at the front lines either need them that day or will in two weeks. And when they’re not there, it impacts the battlefield directly.”
The cost of such attacks is outweighed by the strategic benefit, experts argue. The drones and missiles used may only cost several thousand pounds, but can disable infrastructure worth millions. In a recent strike on Dubna, northwest of Moscow, Ukrainian forces reportedly hit a key military factory manufacturing drones used by Russia.
The timing of such precision warfare is especially critical now. According to Barros, Russia has already launched an offensive in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region, despite widespread media suggesting it was merely preparing for one. Approximately 125,000 Russian troops are currently positioned in the border regions of Kursk and Belgorod. These forces could be used to intensify fighting across Sumy and possibly Kharkiv.
However, Barros assessed that the real Russian campaign focus for summer 2025 lies in the eastern Donetsk region, particularly near the town of Kostiantynivka. Intelligence reports show that Russian forces have shifted entire divisions — including the 20th and 150th Motor Rifle Divisions — away from previous engagements toward the city, setting the stage for a major battle.
Kostiantynivka, west of the devastated cities of Bakhmut and Chasiv Yar, has become the next flashpoint in the Kremlin’s ambition to press deeper into Ukraine. Barros warns that Russia intends to attack from multiple directions in what could be one of the largest engagements in the coming months.
The Russian dictator’s military plans are being closely scrutinised after its earlier failure to capture Prohres, which was their declared operational goal for 2024. Despite a year of effort, Russian forces were unable to take the city, advancing only 55 kilometres and stalling just outside its limits. That campaign culminated in early 2025, with little to show in strategic gains.
Ukrainian analysts believe this opens new opportunities for the defenders. If Ukraine can sustain its tactical successes and target Russia’s vulnerable supply lines, it could severely degrade Moscow’s ability to continue its offensive momentum.
The hope for Ukraine lies not only in defence but in disruption.
Long Range Attacks Could Eradicate Russian Stockpiles, Says ISW Analyst (Video)
Commentary, Russia and Video
Russia’s ability to wage war could be critically damaged by calculated, long-range Ukrainian attacks targeting key infrastructure, according to military analyst George Barros from the Institute for the Study of War. His latest assessment comes amid escalating Russian operations in Ukraine’s Sumy and Donetsk regions, and as Ukrainian forces continue to hit deep behind enemy lines.
Barros says that precision strikes on fuel depots and military-industrial facilities in Russia — timed to disrupt logistics and operations — could replicate the effectiveness of air interdiction on the battlefield. Speaking on Times Radio’s Front Line, he explained that these attacks should not be sporadic, but rather part of a coordinated campaign aligned with Ukrainian ground movements.
“These should not be random events that just happen on a Tuesday,” Barros said. “They should be spaced and timed so that Russian troops who depend on those supplies at the front lines either need them that day or will in two weeks. And when they’re not there, it impacts the battlefield directly.”
The cost of such attacks is outweighed by the strategic benefit, experts argue. The drones and missiles used may only cost several thousand pounds, but can disable infrastructure worth millions. In a recent strike on Dubna, northwest of Moscow, Ukrainian forces reportedly hit a key military factory manufacturing drones used by Russia.
The timing of such precision warfare is especially critical now. According to Barros, Russia has already launched an offensive in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region, despite widespread media suggesting it was merely preparing for one. Approximately 125,000 Russian troops are currently positioned in the border regions of Kursk and Belgorod. These forces could be used to intensify fighting across Sumy and possibly Kharkiv.
However, Barros assessed that the real Russian campaign focus for summer 2025 lies in the eastern Donetsk region, particularly near the town of Kostiantynivka. Intelligence reports show that Russian forces have shifted entire divisions — including the 20th and 150th Motor Rifle Divisions — away from previous engagements toward the city, setting the stage for a major battle.
Kostiantynivka, west of the devastated cities of Bakhmut and Chasiv Yar, has become the next flashpoint in the Kremlin’s ambition to press deeper into Ukraine. Barros warns that Russia intends to attack from multiple directions in what could be one of the largest engagements in the coming months.
The Russian dictator’s military plans are being closely scrutinised after its earlier failure to capture Prohres, which was their declared operational goal for 2024. Despite a year of effort, Russian forces were unable to take the city, advancing only 55 kilometres and stalling just outside its limits. That campaign culminated in early 2025, with little to show in strategic gains.
Ukrainian analysts believe this opens new opportunities for the defenders. If Ukraine can sustain its tactical successes and target Russia’s vulnerable supply lines, it could severely degrade Moscow’s ability to continue its offensive momentum.
The hope for Ukraine lies not only in defence but in disruption.
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Amnon J. Jobi is sole Editor in Chief at The Daily Reformer®. He writes like it is 1998.
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