The announcement by the German government, in addition to similar steps by the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, finally lifts the taboo on the use of Western weapons for military purposes on the territory of the aggressor. 

Taking advantage of Ukraine’s inability to reach its launch sites, Russia methodically destroyed power stations. In March 2024, Russia launched its largest missile attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, using 63 drones and 88 missiles of various types. The attack damaged the facilities of the national operators Ukrenergo, Energoatom, and Naftogaz, while also shutting down the Dnipro hydroelectric power station.

As a direct result of these delays, last summer Ukrainians were forced to live with power cuts lasting up to 4-6 hours. This is not just an inconvenience — bur a major blow to the economy, social stability, and the nation’s morale.

Why air defence system is not enough anymore

According to The Economist, a year ago, 30 drones per night was seen as unusual. Today, hundreds of Shahed and dozens of missiles are the new reality. Only on 25 May, the Kremlin fired 298 drones and 69 missiles at Ukraine — one of the all-time records.

Their quantity, however, remains the main problem. The Kremlin used to produce about 300 Shaheds a month; now it takes less than three days to produce the same number.

According to the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Russia plans to increase production to 500 drones per day. Even if this is an exaggeration, it is clear that the numbers will increase significantly. No air defence system, no matter how sophisticated, can cope with this number of targets.

Likewise, Ukraine’s partners simply have no time to produce interceptor drones in the required quantity. Each missile or drone that Ukraine shoots down is a huge resource that is much more expensive than the attacked object. It’s a race for life, and Ukraine can’t win if it only defends itself.

Strike at the heart of the threat

In this light, the only correct and logical solution is to strike at the launch sites — even before enemy drones, missiles, and aircraft enter Ukrainian airspace.

Kyiv’s partners have a clear and fair resource: confiscation of frozen Russian assets. Billions of dollars of frozen Russian funds should be used to purchase the necessary weapons for Ukraine. Alternatively, Ukraine can use the $150 billion Safe Loan instrument proposed by Mr. Kubilius, which provides for lending to Ukraine secured by confiscated Russian assets.

There is no time for hesitation. A new strategy, with the necessary weapons and funding, is the way to truly defend Ukraine and bring peace.

Editor’s note. The opinions expressed in our Opinion section belong to their authors. Euromaidan Press’ editorial team may or may not share them.

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A drone strike carried out by Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) of the Defense Ministry destroyed a Russian military train carrying fuel in occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast reportedly on 24 May. The operation targeted the Tokmak–Molochansk–Fedorivka railway section, located some 50 kilometers south of the frontline.

According to a 25 May report by HUR, the drone unit of the agency’s active operations division struck the moving train while it was transporting fuel for Russian military equipment. The agency confirmed that “at least three fuel tankers were destroyed,” severely disrupting the occupiers’ logistics.

HUR described the operation as part of a broader armed campaign aimed at “obstructing and paralyzing Russian military logistics” across occupied Ukrainian territories. Footage of the strike was released on HUR’s official website, showing explosions engulfing the tankers.

Rail logistics under increasing pressure

As noted by the defense-focused outlet Militarnyi, the route itself sustained damage during the attack, further complicating Russian efforts to transfer and support troops in Zaporizhzhia Oblast and Crimea.

The Cyberboroshno OSINT community reported that the train was hit in the settlement of Novobohdanivka in Melitopol district, located about 50 kilometers from the active combat line.

Militarnyi highlighted ongoing efforts by Russian forces to restore and expand rail infrastructure on occupied territory, particularly in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts. These include constructing a new railway connection between Rostov-on-Don and occupied Crimea through Zaporizhzhia’s Berdiansk, intended to reduce reliance on the Crimean bridge and improve transport safety for military cargo. Additionally, Russia plans to resume freight operations with Melitopol and to upgrade the Mariupol–Rostov-on-Don line to strengthen connections with occupied Crimea.