Yusov noted that Ukraine continues to deliver near-daily drone strikes against Russian oil and other industrial facilities.
“A key indicator is how many Ukrainian drones are hitting their targets and causing damage,” he said.
“According to various estimates, the reduction in oil product processing in Russia stands at 18% to 20%—these are extraordinarily large figures.”
In its attempt to protect its industry from Ukrainian attacks, Russia is attempting to patch up the gaps in its air defense system, Yusov added.
According to him, Russia combines outdated Soviet equipment with technology it claims is "cutting-edge."
“This involves both Soviet systems and modern ones; the enemy is attempting to integrate them into a single system,” the intelligence officer said.
“This includes the outdated S-300 [air defense] systems and the newer S-400 systems, as well as the so-called cutting-edge S-350 Vityaz system.”
He noted that air defense systems are deployed in all major Russian cities. Additionally, significant industrial facilities and strategically valuable assets, either in the defense sector or having certain political significance, are being individually protected.
On Oct. 29, Ukraine attacked the Budyonnovsk gas processing plant and two oil refineries located in Russia’s Ulyanovsk Oblast and Mari El.