This would allow the Russians to concentrate their air defense close to Ukraine. Striking targets far beyond the front forces the Russians not only to spread their air defense thin, but they also have to decide which sites they leave undefended. Pulling their air defense away from the front, it also means that Ukrainian F-16s and other planes will have more freedom to operate in the region.

And the strategic reason has already been mentioned: Striking targets like refineries makes the war more costly to the Russians, it deprives them of income, they possibly can't repair them because of sanctions, a.s.o. And obviously you want to bring the war to your enemy's territory because the enemy is already creating lots of destruction in your country.

[–] ArcaneGadget@lemmy.world 2 points 8 months ago

Makes sense. St. Petersburg just seemed like a very long reach. More for technical reasons than anything. But kudos for pulling it of.