Some Ukrainian long-range drones attacking refineries in Russia are already equipped with artificial intelligence, and Kyiv chooses targets in advance together with its allies. This was reported by CNN, citing sources.
The article says that a type of AI called "machine vision" is used, which allows drones to better navigate and avoid obstacles.
"Accuracy in the face of obstacles is ensured through the use of artificial intelligence. Each aircraft has a terminal computer with satellite and terrain data. Flights are determined in advance with our allies, and the planes follow the flight plan so that we can hit targets with an accuracy of several meters," the source said.
"Machine vision" allows the drone to be trained to independently determine the geography and the target it is moving toward. This makes the drone completely autonomous - it does not need any communication with satellites.
The CNN article also analyzes the strikes on Russian oil refineries. It is reported that Ukraine is hitting such Russian energy facilities, which use a lot of Western technology that is much more difficult for Russia to purchase. This causes more damage than random attacks on refineries.
Experts believe that these attacks could have a greater impact on the Russian economy than the current sanctions.
12-14% of Russia's oil refining capacity has already been shut down, which has led to an increase in oil prices: Brent rose by almost 13%, "which has left politicians in the United States worried about their potential economic impact in an important election year."
A US official once again confirmed anonymously to CNN that the US has been actively dissuading Ukraine from striking these refineries.
"We have long stated that we do not encourage or allow terrorist attacks inside Russia," the source said.
Western sanctions were initially aimed at keeping Russian oil and gas on the markets, said Helima Croft, managing director and head of global commodities strategy at RBC Capital Markets.
"That was the deal with Ukraine: we'll give you money, we'll give you weapons, but stay away from export facilities, stay away from Russian energy because we don't want a major energy crisis," Croft said.
However, the lack of US aid gives Ukraine "some freedom of action".
"If they don't get the weapons and money they've been promised, what incentive do they have to stick to this agreement with Washington?" - Croft said.
