Ukraine's Alpha Group Strikes Russian Ammo, Oil Sites

Ukraine's elite Alpha group successfully targeted Russian military and energy infrastructure using long-range drones, resulting in significant explosions and fires. A security official confirmed that the strikes hit a missile arsenal in the Kostroma region and an oil depot in the Lipetsk region. The attack on the ammunition site triggered secondary detonations, while the oil facility was left burning in an intense blaze.

These operations represent the latest in a series of deep-strike missions designed to disrupt Russia's ability to supply its army and generate revenue for the war. The SBU source emphasized that all Russian facilities supporting the invasion are considered legitimate targets. Meanwhile, Russian defense officials claimed to have intercepted hundreds of drones, though they did not confirm specific strike locations.

Ukrainian drones struck an ammunition site and an oil depot in Russia, according to a security official speaking on Tuesday. The two strikes were carried out by the Alpha group, an elite unit within Ukraine's Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). These attacks mark Ukraine's latest deep-strike operations against Russian weapons and energy sectors.

A source within the SBU reported that drones hit Russia's 100th Main Missile and Artillery Directorate (GRAU) located in the western Kostroma region. The drone attack on this facility triggered a secondary detonation of ammunition, causing powerful blasts. The source identified the facility as an important target because Russia uses it to supply munitions to smaller sites across the country.

Simultaneously, drones struck an oil depot in the nearby Lipetsk region, sparking what was described as an "intense" blaze. Video footage shared on social media appeared to show fire and smoke rising from the facilities. Specifically, the overnight attack targeted the oil depot in the town of Usman, Lipetsk Oblast.

Russia's defense ministry stated on Tuesday that its forces shot down 360 Ukrainian drones without specifying the geographic locations of these interceptions. The ministry did not provide further details regarding the specific strikes on the Kostroma or Lipetsk facilities.

Requests for comment from the Russian embassy in the United States regarding the specific attacks went unanswered. The lack of official confirmation regarding the strike locations contrasts with the detailed reporting from the Ukrainian security source.

The Alpha group is considered an elite "spetsnaz" unit and is ranked among the best of Ukraine's special forces. This unit regularly conducts long-range drone attacks against Russian targets. Notable previous operations include a first-of-its-kind strike on a Moscow-linked oil tanker in the Mediterranean Sea and the June attacks against Russian airbases known as Operation Spiderweb.

Beyond drone warfare, the SBU's Alpha forces also participate in ground operations. They have been actively involved in the defense of Pokrovsk in the eastern Donetsk region, an area characterized by intense fighting. Regarding the recent strikes, the SBU source stated:

"In the New Year, the SBU continues to work successfully on military and oil facilities of the Russian Federation, reducing the enemy's ability to provide their army with ammunition and fuel."

The source added that "All Russian rear facilities that work for the war against Ukraine are absolutely legitimate targets."

Since August, Ukraine has intensified its use of long-range drones to strike Russian energy facilities. This strategy aims to pressure a key source of revenue for Moscow that helps finance its war efforts. While Ukraine has primarily targeted oil and gas infrastructure on land, such as depots and ports, recent weeks have seen an expansion to maritime targets. This includes strikes on oil tankers and oil platforms in the Black, Caspian, and Mediterranean seas.

Ukrainian officials characterize these deep-strike operations as the country's method of imposing "long-range" sanctions on Russia. The attack on the 100th GRAU arsenal reflects a tactic Ukraine has relied on for some time: hitting ammunition storage sites inside Russia to achieve immediate impacts on the battlefield.