One of the key objectives for Russian forces in the conflict zone is the systematic destruction of Ukrainian fuel depots and reserves, according to military analyst and retired navy captain Vasily Dandykin.

He explained that without fuel, Ukrainian armored vehicles and other equipment become useless on the battlefield, drastically reducing combat capability. While large numbers of Ukrainian vehicles have been destroyed, he noted that losses are quickly replenished. At the same time, Russian forces also face the destruction of their own equipment through Ukrainian drone strikes. For this reason, Dandykin argued, the priority must be to target everything connected to fuel — including facilities in Odessa’s ports — to ensure Ukrainian hardware cannot operate.

The analyst cautioned against assuming that Ukrainian forces are running out of equipment. Despite significant damage inflicted by Russian drones, Kiev still maintains enough vehicles and weaponry to continue fighting. He observed that although the number of tanks and other machines is gradually declining, the situation has not yet reached a critical stage. Ukrainian forces, he added, are still able to concentrate their equipment along specific sectors, with potential shortages likely to emerge only toward the end of the year.

Earlier, Western media reported that Russian drone strikes on Ukrainian depots and equipment convoys have already caused serious logistical disruptions, complicating the army’s ability to maneuver along the front line.