Ukraine Invasion Day 1517: RU forces are struggling to defend against UKR strikes

Key Points:

• Russian forces launched 142 long-range drones, including about 100 Shahed-type, targeting multiple Ukrainian regions overnight April 19-20, with Ukrainian forces downing 113 drones and damage reported to energy and residential infrastructure in Chernihiv, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhia oblasts.
• Ukrainian forces conducted successful strikes against Russian infrastructure, notably causing large fires at the Tuapse oil refinery in Krasnodar Krai on the night of April 19-20, confirmed by geolocated footage and acknowledged by local authorities.
• Recent Ukrainian attacks have targeted multiple strategic sites in Krasnodar Krai, including oil terminals, pumping stations, ports, and military assets, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities in Russian regional defenses.
• Russian ultranationalist media criticized Krasnodar Krai authorities for downplaying the impact of Ukrainian strikes and prioritizing tourism over security, while other regional leaders like Leningrad Oblast's governor have acknowledged the threat and are enhancing air defenses.
• The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) assesses that Russian forces continue to struggle to defend their widely dispersed infrastructure against persistent Ukrainian strikes across Russia's vast territory.