The AP reported that Ukrainian forces launched a series of drone attacks on Russian cities as far as 480 miles from the Ukrainian border in the morning today (Tuesday). The Kremlin verified the attacks, saying that two oil refineries were set ablaze overnight and a Ukrainian drone was shot down just outside of Moscow. The attacks come as Ukraine digs in for another Russian offensive along its 930-mile frontline running along eastern and southern parts of the country.
More than two decades in office
The attacks also come as Russia prepares for presidential elections on March 15-17, which incumbent President Putin is expected to win easily, claiming a fifth term in office. Putin was ushered into office on Dec. 31, 1999 when former President Yeltsin abdicated power and has been in control (with the exception of a four-year stint by second-in-command Dmitry Medvedev during which Putin remained the de facto leader) ever since.
Low-cost drones fending off Moscow's advanced fighter jets
Kyiv has built up an effective arsenal of low-cost drones capable of striking anywhere within Russia proper. Ukraine's drone fleet has been responsible for sinking a number of high-profile Russian navy ships over the past weeks, greatly depleting Moscow's ability to operate in the Black Sea.
In today's attacks, Russian sources confirmed that an attack drone struck and set ablaze an oil refinery in the Nizhny Novgorod region about 480 miles from the border, and another was shot down near Zhukovsky Airport on the outskirts of the country's capital.
"Brazen" border attacks continue
Meanwhile, Breitbart reported that Russia's border defenses are being tested as anti-regime units allegedly entered Russia. Freedom of Russia Legion, the Russian Volunteer Corps, and the Siberian Battalion released videos purportedly from within Russian territory, vowing to, "liberate Russia from Putin's dictatorship."
Ukrainian army units also reportedly attempted to infiltrate the Russian border town of Tetkino, according to the governor of Russia´s Kursk region, Roman Starovoit.
“There was an attempt by a sabotage and reconnaissance group to break through. There was a shooting battle, but no breakthrough,” he said in a video message uploaded to the Telegram social media channel.