In a strategic shift to degrade operational capabilities, Ukraine's Defense Ministry has initiated a dedicated campaign titled "Logistics Lockdown." This program is specifically designed to dismantle Russian military supply chains deep behind the front lines through the deployment of advanced medium-range strike drones.
The "Logistics Lockdown" initiative targets critical infrastructure, including warehouses, fuel depots, ammunition stores, command posts, armored vehicles, and supply convoys. The overarching goal is to destroy these assets faster than they can be replenished, thereby paralyzing the opponent's ability to maintain active assault operations.
Strategic Funding and Implementation
To fuel this technological push, the program has allocated UAH 5 billion—approximately $113 million. In a move to ensure efficiency, these funds are distributed directly to the highest-performing military units via the ePoints system for the procurement of middle-strike systems. These drones are capable of operating at distances ranging from tens to hundreds of kilometers from the contact line.
The implementation is unfolding in two distinct phases. The first phase provides immediate funding to brigades specializing in deep strikes, with procurement already underway. The second phase involves the launch of centralized tenders by the Defense Ministry to scale up production, foster competition among manufacturers, and mitigate risks of corruption.
"We are launching a separate program, 'Logistics Lockdown,' to scale up attacks on the rear and systematically destroy Russian capabilities at operational depth," stated Fedorov. "Our goal is to further increase pressure on Russia in the rear and deprive them of the ability to conduct active assault operations."
Impact and Responses
Ukrainian officials report that the strategy is already yielding tangible results. Current observations indicate a decline in Russian assault operations, the implementation of fuel rationing in Crimea, and a noticeable drop in refinery output within Russia.
Conversely, Russia's Defense Ministry has condemned these long-range drone strikes, labeling them as "terrorist acts." Moscow has stated that its own large-scale missile and drone attacks are carried out as direct responses to these operations.
Reference(s):
How Ukraine is using AI drones to target Russian supply chains
cgtn.com
