(KYIV) – Ukrainian forces have launched a series of coordinated deep-strike attacks against strategic targets inside the Russian Federation, hitting military arsenals and energy infrastructure up to 2,000 kilometres from the Ukrainian border. The escalation comes as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) faces criticism for disqualifying a Ukrainian athlete for honouring war victims.
Ukrainian defence officials confirmed the deployment of domestic long-range drones and “Flamingo” missiles against targets in the Volgograd and Tambov regions, as well as the Komi Republic. The strike on the Komi oil refinery, located approximately 2,000 kilometres from Ukraine, marks a significant extension of Kyiv’s strike capabilities.
In the Volgograd region, Ukrainian forces targeted a major missile arsenal and a separate oil refinery. Local reports indicate the facility stored substantial stockpiles of explosives and munitions intended for use against Ukraine. Simultaneously, a military factory in Tambov, known for producing components for missile and aviation systems, was struck. These operations aim to degrade the Russian war economy, which has already seen oil and gas revenues—critical to the federal budget—plummet by 50 per cent in 2025. Analysts predict further economic contraction in 2026 as Ukraine intensifies its campaign against the energy sector.
The strikes coincided with reports of significant communication disruptions within the Russian military. The Kremlin has reportedly blocked access to Telegram and WhatsApp, sparking discontent among Russian soldiers who rely on these platforms for battlefield communication. Russian officials denied the move was linked to fears of internal unrest or a potential coup, though the blackout has limited the flow of information regarding the extent of the damage in Volgograd and Komi.
Meanwhile, a diplomatic row has erupted at the Winter Olympics following the disqualification of Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych. The IOC barred Heraskevych from competition after he refused to remove a helmet bearing the portraits of Ukrainian athletes killed during the Russian invasion.
The IOC cited regulations against political, religious, or racial propaganda as grounds for the decision. However, the ruling has drawn sharp condemnation from Kyiv and international human rights groups, who argue that remembrance of fallen athletes does not constitute propaganda. Critics pointed to the continued participation of “neutral” Russian athletes, many of whom maintain ties to military structures, as evidence of a double standard within the Olympic governance.
Heraskevych stated that the decision compromised the moral integrity of the Games, adding that “dignity matters” more than participation under censorship. The incident has further strained relations between international sporting bodies and Ukraine
