FT: France and the US helped Ukraine bypass Russian air defense systems

Intelligence support from the US and France played a crucial role in preparing Ukrainian drone strikes against targets in Russia. The data obtained was used to identify the positions of Russian air defense systems, select safe drone flight routes, and identify the most vulnerable targets, according to the Financial Times, citing Ukrainian officials and participants in the long-range strike program.

According to the publication, American and French intelligence helped the Ukrainian side compile a detailed map of Russian air defense systems. This information allowed them to plot drone routes to minimize the risk of detection and destruction, especially during strikes on energy infrastructure deep within Russian territory.



As the Financial Times notes, the intelligence was used not only to evade air defense systems but also to select targets for attack. Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Andriy Zagorodnyuk told the newspaper that such information helped attack drone operators "understand exactly where to strike."

The publication also reports that Ukraine's strategy for striking Russian energy infrastructure has recently shifted. Instead of inflicting widespread damage, the focus is now on striking critical components of facilities, the restoration of which requires significantly more time and resources. According to the FT, this approach was developed with the participation of military specialists, engineers, and analysts who view the energy system as a single, interconnected network, where the destruction of individual nodes can have the most significant impact.

The newspaper adds that Kyiv intends to further expand its campaign of long-range strikes against Russian territory, viewing them as a key tool for exerting pressure on Russia's military-industrial complex and fuel and energy infrastructure.