Russia's Strategic Moves: Missiles, Drones, and Oil Games

Intermediate-Range Missile Strike on Lviv Oblast

Russia's military actions in Ukraine took a dramatic turn with the launch of an Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile targeting Lviv Oblast. This strike, confirmed by both Ukrainian and Russian officials, is seen as a strategic move to deter Western support for Ukraine.

• Missile Details:
• Launched from Kapustin Yar test site in Astrakhan Oblast.
• Carried a dummy warhead.
• Damaged an archive facility but missed the intended gas storage site.

The Kremlin justified the strike by claiming a Ukrainian drone attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin's residence, a claim disputed by Western intelligence.

• Strategic Implications:
• The missile is nuclear-capable with a MIRV payload.
• Likely a show of force to intimidate Western nations from providing military support, particularly a multinational assurance force.

Large-Scale Strikes on Kyiv Oblast

Russian forces conducted a large-scale drone and missile strike on Kyiv Oblast, resulting in:

• Significant power outages.
• Civilian casualties.
• Substantial damage to critical infrastructure, leaving thousands without power.

The Ukrainian Air Force reported downing most of the missiles and drones, but the damage was substantial.

Ongoing Conflict in Eastern Ukraine

Russian forces continued their offensive operations but did not make significant advances. The focus remains on:

• Pushing Ukrainian forces back from the international border with Belgorod Oblast.
• Capturing the remainder of Luhansk Oblast.

The fighting is intense, with daily combat engagements and Russian forces using infiltration tactics to gain ground.

Economic Front: US Seizes Russian-Linked Oil Tanker

The US Navy seized another oil tanker linked to Russia, attempting to bypass US sanctions against Venezuelan oil.

• Multiple oil tankers operating near Venezuela have recently reregistered under Russian flags to evade US Coast Guard boarding attempts.