Ukraine said its forces struck three Russian oil drilling platforms in the Caspian Sea on January 11. The platforms belong to Lukoil, one of Russia’s largest energy companies. Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed the strikes in an official statement.
The platforms hit were named V. Filanovsky, Yuri Korchagin, and Valery Graifer. These structures support oil and gas extraction. Ukraine said they also help supply fuel to the Russian military. Ukrainian Special Operations Forces carried out the attack during the night using long-range drones.
Military officials said they recorded direct hits on all three platforms. They are still checking the full extent of the damage. Ukrainian forces also released video footage that appears to show explosions near the offshore structures. Independent sources have not yet verified the videos.
The Caspian Sea lies far from Ukraine’s front lines. The reported strike shows Ukraine’s growing ability to hit targets deep beyond occupied territory. Analysts say such attacks aim to weaken Russia’s energy income and disrupt fuel supplies for military operations.
Oil and gas exports form a major part of Russia’s national budget. The sector helps fund Moscow’s war effort. Ukraine has increasingly targeted energy infrastructure to reduce Russia’s ability to sustain the conflict.
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Ukraine expands long-range attacks on Russian military assets
Alongside the Caspian Sea strikes, Ukraine reported several other successful operations. Ukrainian forces said they destroyed a Russian Buk-M3 air defense system in occupied parts of Luhansk Oblast. The Buk-M3 is one of Russia’s advanced surface-to-air missile systems.
Ukraine also said it struck a warehouse and technical support unit linked to Russia’s 49th Combined Arms Army. This unit operates in occupied areas of Kherson Oblast. Ukrainian officials described the army group as the main Russian force in that region.
Kyiv said these attacks aimed to weaken Russian logistics, air defense, and supply chains. Ukrainian commanders believe damaging support systems limits Russia’s ability to move troops and equipment.
Ukraine has relied heavily on domestically produced drones in these operations. These drones can fly long distances and carry explosive payloads. Over the past year, Ukraine has improved their range, accuracy, and resistance to electronic warfare.
Throughout 2025, Ukraine increased strikes on oil refineries, fuel depots, and storage facilities inside Russia and in occupied territories. Military leaders say energy targets play a direct role in supporting Russian combat operations.
The General Staff stated that every successful strike reduces pressure on Ukrainian soldiers at the front. Ukrainian officials argue that long-range attacks help balance Russia’s numerical advantage in manpower and equipment.
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Energy facilities have become central targets in the Ukraine war. Russia depends on oil and gas exports to fund its military and economy. Ukraine sees these facilities as legitimate military-linked targets.
The Caspian Sea strikes mark another step in Ukraine’s evolving strategy. Earlier in December, Ukraine confirmed drone attacks on a Russian patrol ship and an offshore oil platform in the same region. Those attacks also targeted facilities connected to the Filanovsky oil and gas field.
Ukraine says Russian forces use energy platforms for surveillance, logistics support, and fuel supply. Moscow has not publicly confirmed damage to the platforms mentioned in the January 11 report.
The news outlet noted that it could not independently verify Ukraine’s claims. This caution reflects standard practice during wartime reporting, where access to strike locations remains limited.
Russia has repeatedly accused Ukraine of targeting civilian infrastructure. Ukraine responds by saying the platforms support military operations and therefore qualify as military objectives.
International experts say energy warfare now plays a major role in the conflict. Attacks on oil and gas assets can raise costs, disrupt supply chains, and increase pressure on national budgets. Even limited damage can have long-term economic effects.
Ukraine’s allies closely watch these developments. Some Western governments worry about broader energy market impacts. Others see the strikes as part of Ukraine’s right to self-defense.
As the war continues, Ukraine appears determined to expand its reach. Officials say future operations will focus on weakening Russia’s ability to wage war rather than holding territory alone.
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The Caspian Sea strikes highlight a shift in modern warfare. Drones, intelligence, and precision attacks now shape the battlefield far beyond traditional front lines.