Ukraine’s General Staff reported on Nov. 9 that Ukrainian forces struck a Russian electronic warfare system near Sartana in occupied Donetsk Oblast overnight from Nov. 8 to Nov. 9. The target was a station designed to disrupt satellite communications, specifically those used for military operations. This attack follows concerns raised in October when unexpected restrictions on the Starlink network disrupted several Ukrainian military operations. Serhii Beskrestnov, a Ukrainian military technology adviser, stated on Nov. 2 that Russia is increasingly deploying electronic warfare systems to jam Starlink along the front line. These systems threaten the connectivity required to control interceptor drones countering jet-powered Geran missiles.
Hitting the supply chain
The same overnight window saw attacks on logistics facilities in Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk oblasts. Forces hit ammunition depots near Tokmak and Ostrykivka, as well as a warehouse storing materiel near Krasnohorivka. In Leningrad Oblast, a drone attack struck the Kirishi refinery, which is Russia’s second-largest oil facility. Regional governor Aleksandr Drozdenko confirmed the strike. The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify these claims, and the Russian Defense Ministry did not comment. I view these coordinated hits as a clear attempt to sever the logistical lifelines supporting Russia’s offensive capabilities.
Disrupting missile production
Ukrainian forces also struck the Morozov plant near St. Petersburg, damaging three production workshops at once. The facility produces solid-fuel charges for 9M723 Iskander-M ballistic missiles and explosives. It also develops solid propellants for Topol-M intercontinental missile engines. Part of Rostec Corporation, the plant is subject to international sanctions and was sanctioned by Ukraine in August. The General Staff described it as "one of the key links" supplying the Russian military with ballistic missiles. They noted that each strike makes it harder for Russia to produce missiles for its cities. The extent of damage is still being assessed. Since early summer, Ukraine has ramped up long-range strikes on refineries and industrial plants to grind down the war machine. However, Ukrainian air defenses face a critical shortage of Patriot interceptor missiles while Russia continues its ballistic missile attacks.
