Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries have been made possible by the use of drones with longer ranges and more advanced capabilities, some with basic artificial intelligence.
Source. CNN reports this with reference to a source close to the Ukrainian drone programme.
According to the channel's source, Ukraine and its allies determine the drone flight plan in advance, and the use of artificial intelligence allows them to hit targets "with an accuracy of several metres".
According to CNN, citing several experts interviewed, Ukrainian drones most often strike not fuel storage facilities but distillation plants where crude oil is processed and turned into fuel.
Experts believe that these attacks could affect the Russian economy more than the current sanctions, according to CNN.
"If you think about the sanctions that have been imposed so far, they have largely bypassed the energy sector," explains Helima Croft of RBC Capital Markets.
"In fact, it was the export of energy, crude oil, natural gas and refined products that gave Russia an economic lifeline to continue waging this war," the expert stressed.
Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries have already led to a rise in world oil prices: this year, the price of Brent crude oil has increased by almost 13%.
American officials are concerned about the impact of these attacks on the global economy, but "the impasse in Washington over funding for Ukraine and the possibility of changes in the White House next year may give Kyiv some leeway," the publication says.
Background. As a reminder, CNN reported that the Ukrainian drones used to attack Russia's energy sector are equipped with artificial intelligence.