Ukraine boycotts US, continues drone strikes in Russia

Ukraine ignores US demands to end drone strikes deep inside Russia Not only does Washington fear higher oil prices now that drones are setting the Kiev Russian oil refinery on fire, but Americans fear an uncontrollable escalation. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s own long-range drone industry is gaining traction.

In response to Western reluctance to supply the country with long-range weapons, Kyiv has now invested hundreds of millions of dollars in establishing its own industry to produce long-range drones. Meanwhile, about six Ukrainian companies produce drones capable of striking targets deep in Russia. One of the latest models has a range of 3,000 kilometers, capable of hitting targets in Siberia.

Washington was not happy

But the US is not happy with these developments and is urging the Ukrainians to exercise restraint over drone strikes. The Americans do this because they fear that if the Russian oil industry is disrupted further, oil prices will rise further. But Washington fears escalating tit-for-tat from Russia.

Also Read | ‘Two weeks before Russia invaded, we set up drone radars in Ukraine’

In late March, Russia damaged Ukraine’s energy infrastructure to the tune of millions of dollars in massive attacks, painfully highlighting how porous and vulnerable Ukraine’s air defenses are. For example, on April 11, Russian Kh-69 missiles destroyed the Trypilska power station in Ukraine, 40 kilometers from the capital – although it is within range of the capital’s Patriot air defense systems.

Kiev ignores Washington

So far, Ukraine has ignored US advice to stop the attacks. Opposite Economist A Ukrainian intelligence official, who is partially responsible for the project, says he “has not received any instructions to curtail operations.” According to one drone manufacturer, the US approach is ambiguous; One of his American contacts ‘blinked’ while simultaneously issuing a warning. “They tell us privately that we have to continue,” the producer said, noting that Ukraine’s drone program will be greatly expanded in the coming months. “Russia is burning Ukrainian land. It’s time we do the same with European Russia.’

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In early April, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned Ukraine against attacks on Russian oil refineries during a Senate committee hearing. Austin emphasized that it is strategically important for Ukraine to focus its military efforts on tactical and operational objectives that directly affect the current conflict.