In recent months, Ukrainian forces have launched drone strikes deeper into Russia and Crimea. These strikes, dubbed “long-range sanctions” by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have predominantly hit notable military targets — oil refineries, communications hubs and industries directly funding the Russian war effort.

The drone strikes aren’t the first Ukrainian attacks into Russian territory, but they now appear to be eroding support for the war among the Russian population.

That said, it would be premature to argue that either Vladimir Putin’s regime or the Russia-Ukraine war will end any time soon.

The impact of Ukraine’s strikes

One of the most notable results of Ukrainian drone strikes has been the rapid rise of fuel prices and extensive fuel shortages in Russia. There have been reports of taxis being forced to ration fuel, lineups at gas stations that are hours long and Russia being forced to import fuel.

Public opinion polls in Russia in recent weeks suggest cracks may be showing in broad Russian support for the war and for Putin. Ukrainian strikes are bringing the war home to major cities, deeply affecting Russians both personally and economically — so much so that some are apparently willing to share their frustrations with pollsters.

Much has been written about how Russians see the war. But beyond the odd instance, the war had rarely featured sustained attacks on Russian territory. Additionally, Ukrainian drone strikes have impacted Crimea, illegally annexed by Russia in 2014, by leading to fuel and groceries shortages, impacting daily life.

Historians of Nazi Germany........

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