Ukraine launches 'Logistical Lockdown' program to scale up deep strikes on Russian rear

KYIV, May 27 (Reuters) — Ukraine launched a dedicated "Logistical Lockdown" program on May 27 to systematically destroy Russian logistics and infrastructure at operational depth and expand medium-range strike capabilities, Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced.

"Our task is to further increase pressure on the Russians behind the front line and deprive them of the ability to conduct active assault operations," Fedorov said in a Telegram post.

The first phase of the program allocates an additional UAH 5 billion (about $113 million) directly to military units for the purchase of modern medium-range strike equipment. The funds are distributed through the e-Bal (e-points) system to the most effective brigades and units that specialize in destroying targets at operational depth, Fedorov said. The first units have already received funding and direct procurement has begun.

In the second phase, the ministry will launch centralized tenders for large-scale purchases of strike systems. Fedorov said the results of centralized procurement should be visible on the battlefield by summer.

Ukraine has quadrupled strikes on Russian logistics, warehouses, equipment, command posts, and supply routes at operational depth in recent months, Fedorov said. "A pattern is already visible in the dashboards: the more Russian logistics are destroyed, the fewer assault operations take place on the front line," he said.

Russia lost 67 soldiers per 1 square kilometer of advance in October, rising to 179 per 1 sq km in April, according to the ministry. Russia is losing more than 35,000 soldiers killed or seriously wounded each month, Fedorov said.

Ukraine destroyed 37 Russian air defense, radar, and electronic warfare systems between March and May 10, compared to 16 in October 2025, Der Spiegel reported, citing WarSpotting data. Strikes increasingly target medium-range systems within 200 km of the front line, including Tor, Buk, and S-300 platforms.

Ukraine conducted around 600 drone strikes on occupied territory between January and April 2026, Der Spiegel reported. Ukrainian drones struck 23 oil facilities and 20 industrial and agricultural targets inside Russia in April and May, according to the report.