"We are stepping up strikes on Russian territory," says SBS Commander Robert Brovdi "Madyar"
In recent weeks, Ukraine has been stepping up strikes deep into Russian territory, focusing in particular on oil export facilities. Robert Brovdy, commander of unmanned systems, revealed this in an interview with the BBC.
According to him, strikes at a distance of up to 1,500–2,000 kilometres from the front line mean that Russia’s rear is no longer safe. He emphasised that Ukrainian drones are capable of operating ‘whenever and wherever’.
At one of the launch sites in eastern Ukraine, drones are being prepared for launch in field conditions. Upon command, the drones take off in the direction of Russia. According to military officials, the operation is carried out swiftly to avoid detection and a possible retaliatory strike.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described such strikes as painful for Russia and as causing critical damage to the energy sector.
The commander explained that technological advances allow Ukrainian drones to cover ever-greater distances. Some of the drones are already capable of flying over 1,000 kilometres, whilst others have an even greater range.
In addition to military targets, energy infrastructure has been identified as a priority. According to Brovdi, Russia uses revenue from natural resources to fund the war.
He also noted that unmanned forces, which make up around 2 per cent of the Ukrainian military, are currently responsible for a third of all targets struck. According to his data, the casualty rate among these units is less than 1 per cent per year.
The commander reported that strikes are also aimed at halting the advance of Russian troops. His units have been tasked with destroying more enemy personnel each month than Russia is capable of mobilising.
He said that around 30 per cent of strikes should target personnel, and this target has been exceeded for several months.
Robert Brovdy explained that every strike is recorded on video for verification. The data is processed at the command centre, where the results of operations are monitored in real time.
He emphasised that the aim is not offensive operations, but to deter the enemy and prevent its advance into Ukrainian territory.
Separately, the commander highlighted attempts to undermine morale in Russia through strikes on targets deep within the country and military casualties.
