Ukraine Destroys 250 Russian Artillery Systems in Two Nights, Hits Moscow Oil Refinery Again
Ukraine has destroyed 250 Russian artillery systems in just two nights using new barrel-destroying munitions, while also striking a major Moscow oil refinery for the second time in a week, disrupting hundreds of flights.
Ukrainian forces destroyed 250 Russian artillery systems over two nights using a new type of munition that specifically targets the gun barrel, making repairs impossible [175339][175345]. Standard drone strikes often only damaged Russian artillery, allowing crews to fix them and return them to combat, but the new weapon solves that problem [175345]. Ukrainian commanders say the strikes have significantly reduced Russian firepower along the front line [175345]. The munition’s design and manufacturer have not been publicly disclosed [175345].
In a separate operation, Ukraine hit a major Moscow oil refinery for the second time in a week, sending huge black plumes of smoke over the Russian capital [176270]. Moscow’s mayor, Sergey Sobyanin, confirmed that several drones reached the refinery, owned by Russian oil producer Gazprom Neft [176270]. The attack disrupted hundreds of flights at Moscow’s airports, causing widespread travel delays [176270]. The operation marks a significant escalation in Ukraine’s ability to strike deep inside Russian territory [176270].
To achieve these results, Ukrainian drones now use focused antennas that strengthen communication signals and make the aircraft harder for Russian defenses to detect [174362][175339]. The modification helps drones maintain a stable connection with their operators while reducing their electronic signature, allowing them to slip past radar systems [174362]. Ukraine’s Defense Ministry has also confirmed that artificial intelligence is now part of its long-range drone systems, helping them navigate without reliable GPS, avoid electronic warfare, and identify targets during the final stage of flight [171296].