Hidden deep in rural Ukraine, engineers and soldiers are quietly assembling long-range drones at night, launching them to strike oil refineries, fuel depots, and logistics hubs across Russia — in a campaign that is reshaping the war.

Built from components produced in a scattered network of workshops, these drones have extended their reach dramatically over recent months. Since summer, Ukraine’s drone strikes have intensified, hitting targets hundreds of kilometers inside Russia and straining Moscow’s air defenses.

The nighttime launches are carried out under tight secrecy, with drones roaring off improvised runways into the darkness. The attacks have led to fuel shortages in parts of Russia, forcing rationing and revealing cracks in its critical energy infrastructure.

Analysts say the impact has been significant, though not devastating. According to a study by the Carnegie Endowment, Ukrainian drones have struck 16 of Russia’s largest oil refineries — roughly 38% of its total refining capacity. While most resumed operations within weeks, the repeated strikes have hurt Russia’s supply chain.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s growing drone capability has dealt “real damage” to Moscow, claiming Russia has lost up to 20% of its gasoline output and been forced to import fuel.

At a secret base, a Ukrainian commander known by his call sign “Fidel” said the drones can now fly up to 1,000 kilometers — double their earlier range. “Our drones, our people, and our planning make the difference,” he said. “This is our mission for freedom.”

The “Liutyi” — a simple, inexpensive, homebuilt drone — has become central to these strikes. Costing as little as $55,000, it represents Ukraine’s low-cost strategy to overwhelm Russian defenses with volume and persistence.

Experts say the campaign has expanded the war’s geography, forcing Russia to defend deeper within its borders. The International Energy Agency estimates repeated drone attacks have reduced Russia’s refining output by about 500,000 barrels a day, triggering domestic shortages and limiting exports.

“This war has fallen to our generation,” Fidel said. “We’re gaining knowledge the world will one day study — but we’re paying with our lives and those of our friends.”