U.S. Aids Ukraine in Long-Range Strikes on Russian Energy Targets, Report Says

The United States has been quietly supporting Ukraine in launching long-range drone attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, according to a Financial Times report. The operation, which has been ongoing for months, aims to weaken Russia’s economy and pressure President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the war that began in February 2022.

U.S. intelligence has reportedly provided Kyiv with critical data to target Russian oil refineries and other energy facilities deep inside Russian territory. Sources familiar with the operation told FT that American assistance includes shaping mission routes, flight altitude, and timing to help Ukrainian drones bypass Russian air defenses. This coordination suggests Washington’s active involvement in Ukraine’s long-range strike planning process.

A U.S. official cited by the newspaper said Ukraine selects its own targets while the U.S. provides intelligence on each site’s vulnerabilities. Two American officials also confirmed to Reuters earlier this month that Washington was supplying Ukraine with intelligence on Russian energy infrastructure, as it considers whether to deliver additional long-range missiles capable of such operations. The U.S. has also encouraged NATO allies to provide similar intelligence support.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov previously accused the U.S. and NATO of directly aiding Ukraine by supplying intelligence, calling it “obvious” that Western infrastructure is being used to support Kyiv’s military efforts. The White House, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s office, and Ukraine’s foreign ministry declined to comment on the FT report.

On Saturday, Zelenskiy said he had a “positive and productive” phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss strengthening Ukraine’s air defense. “There are good options and solid ideas to truly strengthen us,” Zelenskiy wrote on X.