Ukraine's drone advancements unsettle Putin amid ceasefire
Ihor Romanenko, a former deputy chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and now a military expert, stated that the ceasefire on attacks against energy infrastructure is a gesture toward Russia. Under this arrangement, Putin does not need to worry about Ukraine's most dangerous weapons for at least 30 days.
Romanenko, speaking on a Ukrainian TV station, noted that the Americans were receiving little aside from energy. He highlighted Putin's growing concern over Ukraine's expanding strike capabilities against Russia, pointing out that drones now have a range of around 3,000 kilometres and are becoming increasingly powerful.
Ukrainian drones have become a nightmare for Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the existence of a drone with a range of about 3,000 kilometres in March. While he did not provide many details, he assured me that the machine had been successfully tested.
The new drone will join many others conducting effective raids on essential targets deep inside Russia for some time. The most severe attacks were on Russian refineries and large ammunition depots, which Russians still feel today. Additionally, Ukrainian drones have attacked some Russian military bases and airfields, including the Olenya base, which houses strategic bombers Tu-22M3 and Tu-95MS, located almost 2,000 kilometres from the Ukrainian border.
Ukrainian drones have attracted the attention of Russia and the world
Since Russia began its full-scale invasion, the Ukrainian army has made significant progress in using drones. The local industry has also specialized in their production, attracting attention from major powers. South Korea and the USA are among those interested in acquiring the "specialized knowledge of Ukrainians in the field of drone warfare."
Initially, Ukrainian forces relied on Rubaka and Bóbr drones, which ranged approximately 500 and 1,000 kilometers. In 2024, Vadym Sucharewski, the commander of the Unmanned Systems of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, confirmed a drone with a range of over 2,000 kilometres. However, the specifications, like those of the drone mentioned by President Volodymyr Zelensky, remain shrouded in mystery. Ukrainians have also modified the Tu-141 "Strizh," a Soviet unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, for their needs.
Romanenko believes Vladimir Putin ignored Donald Trump's proposal for a complete 30-day ceasefire because it was not beneficial for him. Meanwhile, the Russian leader is worried about Ukraine's continuously growing capabilities to strike Russian energy infrastructure. Especially since, in the case of their drones, Kyiv can use them freely to attack targets in Russia without needing anyone's permission. This contrasts with long-range Western weapons, like American ATACMS missiles.
