Ukraine’s Escalating Strikes on Russia: Could Putin’s Residence and Oil Industry Become the Next Targets?
Moscow skyline / Alexander Patrin / ZUMApress.com
Why Ukraine’s Veterans Are Pushing for Bolder Strikes Against Russia
In the wake of relentless Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities—including a devastating drone and missile barrage on Kyiv that killed at least seven people and left 20 missing—Ukrainian military veterans are calling for a shift in strategy. Retired Major Oleksiy Hetman, a war veteran, told Radio “New Voice” that Ukraine must strike deeper into Russia, targeting not just oil infrastructure but also President Vladimir Putin’s residence in Valdai.
“We need to hit Moscow, Valdai, and Russia’s oil refineries to cripple Russia’s ability to sustain its military operations,” Hetman stated. His argument isn’t just about retaliation—it’s about sending a psychological and political message. “Moscow must understand it’s not safe, despite its air defenses,” he warned.
Pro Tip: Why Symbolic Strikes Matter
Historically, attacks on leadership compounds—like Iraq’s 2003 strike on Saddam Hussein’s residence—have been used to destabilize regimes. The symbolic impact can be as powerful as the physical damage.
Russia’s Oil Industry: A Vulnerability Under Fire
Ukraine has already made significant inroads in targeting Russia’s oil infrastructure. Recent strikes—including attacks on Lukoil’s Perm refinery and facilities in Tuapse—have disrupted Russian energy production and caused environmental damage. Hetman emphasizes that these strikes must continue, as oil revenue funds Russia’s war machine.
“Russia’s economy is heavily dependent on oil exports,” notes energy analyst Dr. Elena Volkov. “Disrupting refineries forces Moscow to allocate resources to recovery rather than warfare.” The recent strikes on gas facilities further highlight how vulnerable these assets are to precision drone attacks.
Did You Know?
Russia’s oil sector contributes 15-20% of its federal budget. Disrupting refineries could force Moscow to either cut military spending or seek costly imports.
Targeting Putin: Legal, Moral, and Strategic Implications
Hetman’s proposal to strike Putin’s residence in Valdai is controversial. While Ukraine has legal grounds under international law to target military command centers, attacking a civilian residence raises ethical and diplomatic concerns.
“Putin’s bunker in Valdai is a legitimate military target,” argues Hetman. “Under the laws of war, the supreme commander of an invading army is a valid objective.” However, critics warn that such an attack could escalate tensions further, potentially drawing in NATO or other global powers.
In 2025, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused Ukraine of attempting to strike Valdai, though no evidence was found. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) dismissed the claims as “unsubstantiated.”
Why the U.S. Might Hesitate: The Trump Influence
Hetman’s call to strike Valdai also touches on geopolitical tensions. He questions why Ukraine should avoid targeting Putin’s residence when U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly urged restraint. “Trump asks us not to hit Valdai, but why should we avoid bombing a bunker where Putin hides?” Hetman rhetorically asked.
This raises broader questions about Western support for Ukraine. While the U.S. And EU have provided military aid, political shifts—such as Trump’s potential return to power—could influence Ukraine’s strategic flexibility.
Reader Question: Could Ukraine’s Strikes on Russia Backfire?
Answer: While bold strikes can weaken Russia’s morale and military capacity, they also risk provoking disproportionate retaliation. Ukraine must balance escalation dominance with strategic restraint to avoid unintended consequences.
Russia’s War Fatigue: Could Strikes on Moscow Change Public Sentiment?
Hetman suggests that prolonged strikes on Russian soil—especially in symbolic locations like Moscow—could erode domestic support for the war. “Russians are starting to realize this ‘special military operation’ has lasted longer than the Great Patriotic War,” he noted.
Recent polling shows growing dissent in Russia, with reports of protests and even desertions. If Ukraine can amplify this discontent through targeted strikes, it may force Moscow to reconsider its war strategy.
What’s Next? Ukraine’s Drone Arsenal and the Road Ahead
Hetman claims Ukraine launched nearly 300 drones into Russia in recent attacks—a figure that, if accurate, signals a dramatic escalation in Ukraine’s drone warfare capabilities. With Western support, Ukraine’s ability to strike deep into Russia is only expected to grow.
“We have enough drones for these operations,” Hetman asserted. “The question is no longer can we strike Moscow—it’s when and how.”
Expert Insight: Dr. Maria Snegovaya (King’s College London)
“Ukraine’s drone strategy is evolving from asymmetric warfare to strategic disruption. By targeting energy and leadership, Kyiv is forcing Russia to divert resources from the front lines—a tactic that could prove decisive in 2026.”
FAQ: Ukraine’s Strikes on Russia – Key Questions Answered
1. Is it legal for Ukraine to strike Putin’s residence?
Under international humanitarian law, military command centers are legitimate targets. However, attacking a civilian residence raises ethical concerns and could provoke stronger retaliation.
2. How effective are Ukraine’s drone strikes on Russian oil?
Highly effective. Recent attacks on Lukoil and Tuapse refineries have caused significant disruptions, forcing Russia to reroute supplies and allocate repair resources away from the war effort.
3. Could striking Moscow trigger NATO involvement?
Unlikely directly, but it could escalate tensions. NATO’s Article 5 requires an attack on a member state, not a third-party strike. However, a major escalation might push Western powers to reconsider their support for Ukraine.
4. Why hasn’t Ukraine already hit Valdai?
Possible reasons include intelligence gaps, Western political pressure, and risk of retaliation. Striking a high-value target like Valdai requires precise intelligence and acceptance of potential consequences.
5. What’s the biggest risk of these deep strikes?
The primary risk is Russian overreaction. If Moscow perceives Ukraine as crossing a “red line,” it may escalate attacks on Ukrainian cities with even greater ferocity, potentially targeting critical infrastructure like power grids.
What Do You Think? Should Ukraine Strike Deeper into Russia?
This is a pivotal moment in the war. Ukraine’s strategy is evolving, and the next moves could redefine the conflict. What’s your take? Should Kyiv escalate with bold strikes on Moscow, or should it focus on frontline victories?
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