Ukraine launched drone strikes deep inside Russian territory, hitting military and energy infrastructure, according to reports. The attacks mark the latest in a series of long-range operations by Kyiv as the war grinds on.
The latest strikes
Drones targeted sites far from the border, striking military installations and energy facilities. The exact locations weren't immediately disclosed, but the strikes represent a continued effort to disrupt Russian logistics and power supplies. Such deep-penetration attacks have become more frequent in recent months, as Ukraine develops its own drone capabilities.
What the prediction market says
A prediction market platform now gives a 9.5% probability that Ukraine will recapture Crimea by December 31, 2026. That's a low figure, suggesting traders see the goal as unlikely within that timeframe. Prediction markets aggregate bets on geopolitical outcomes, and the Crimea number has fluctuated as the war evolves.
Crimea's role in the conflict
Crimea has been under Russian control since 2014. Ukraine has repeatedly stated its aim to retake the peninsula, and the drone strikes could be part of broader efforts to weaken Russia's ability to defend it. By hitting military and energy sites deep inside Russia, Ukraine may be trying to degrade air defenses and supply lines that support Russian forces in Crimea and southern Ukraine.
The strikes come as Ukraine continues to press its campaign with limited resources. The 9.5% probability on the prediction market reflects a cautious view, but the war's dynamics can shift quickly. For now, the drone operations are expected to continue as Ukraine seeks to maintain pressure on Moscow.
