Ukraine's AI drones target Russian oil refineries in strategic strikes

CNN highlights that Ukrainian strikes on refineries are enabled by advanced drones, some of which are fully autonomous thanks to artificial intelligence (AI), eliminating the need for in-flight communication with command. This enhances their reliability, as shared by an anonymous source from the Ukrainian drone development program.

"The precision of these attacks is attributed to drones equipped with artificial intelligence. Each drone contains a computer with satellite and terrestrial data," a CNN informant relayed.

The spokesperson further elucidates how drones achieve pinpoint accuracy. – Flight paths are determined in conjunction with our allies, ensuring drones strike specific targets with precision – he explains.

Since 24 February 2022, marking the outset of the full-scale war with Russia, the Ukrainian military has utilized readily available weapons, chiefly adapting civilian drones for military purposes.

Over time, Kyiv has established its arsenal of combat drones, including initiating local production of long-range unmanned aircraft. This development has empowered the Ukrainian forces to carry out combat operations within Russia, targeting crucial infrastructure.

Analysts speaking with CNN observe that Ukrainian forces have shifted their focus to refineries, thereby hampering Russia's oil processing capabilities, which are critical for its sale and use in the arms industry.

March's attacks on Russian refineries signify a "tactical shift aimed at crippling the Russian arms industry," as assessed in a conversation with CNN by Helima Croft from RBC Capital Markets. She adds that this approach potentially offers a more effective means of undermining the Russian economy than the imposed sanctions.

An expert from RBC Capital Markets points out that "sanctions overlooked the Russian energy sector." She underscores that "it is precisely the revenue from the sale of oil and gas that fuels Russia's war machine."

Reuters reported a 14% drop in Russia's oil processing capacity in March. Russian authorities confirmed these reports but did not disclose the extent. Nonetheless, they halted fuel exports to shield the local market from the impact of reduced refinery output.

CNN acknowledges that sanctions were designed to allow the Russian energy market to continue operating. The West aimed to avoid triggering a sudden "energy market crisis."

Hence, in March, the American authorities appealed to Kyiv to cease attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.

"In response, the Ukrainian side highlighted their achievement of objectives and successful operations within Russian territory. Other officials also maintained that targeting Russian refineries is absolutely justified from a military standpoint," Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefaniszyna declared.

The US's appeals might prove ineffective as continued financial and military support from Washington has been delayed for months due to internal conflicts between the Republican and Democratic parties. Therefore, Ukraine might opt to persist with the attacks.

Vasyl Maluk, Chief of Ukrainian intelligence SBU, expresses American concerns about ongoing strikes. – We must promptly diminish (Russian) budget revenues and thereby suffocate Putler – he remarked, according to CNN.

– Our efforts will persist, and this nation, essentially a petrol station, will continue to burn – he concluded.