Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu has acknowledged the increasing effectiveness of Ukraine's deep-rear strike campaign against the Russian military-industrial complex. The Urals are now in the crosshairs of Ukrainian strikes.
This was reported by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Ukrainian strikes against all Russian federal subjects increased almost fourfold in 2025 to 23,000, compared to 6,200 in 2024.
Shoigu also said that Ukrainian forces had acquired the ability to conduct air strikes against targets in the Urals region and that the region was now in an "immediate threat zone".
Shoigu said that "unspecified countries are developing weapons and methods at such a pace that no region of Russia can feel safe", and that the situation in the Middle East is increasing the threat of terrorist attacks on critical Russian infrastructure.
Shoigu's recognition of the increased effectiveness of Ukraine's long-range strike campaign is worthy for attention, as Russian officials typically downplay its effects.
Shoigu's statements may be part of a media-building effort aimed at emphasizing that the impact of the war affects all of Russia, not just border regions near the front line, potentially to justify a future series of mobilizations and prolonged large-scale internet outages.
Ukraine is banking on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and deepening defense cooperation with the United Kingdom to increase battlefield effectiveness and strengthen its long-term technological advantages.
On March 17, Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced that the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense (MOD) is establishing the A1 Defense Artificial Intelligence Center with support from the United Kingdom to transform battlefield data into autonomous systems and expand capabilities in the field of drone warfare, medium-range strikes, deep strikes and artillery.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a joint statement on March 17 stating that Ukraine and the UK would expand joint cooperation in the defence industry, including drone production, to support Ukraine's battlefield needs and develop British expertise.