Ukrainian drones extend reach, unsettling Russian defences
Ihor Romanenko, the former deputy chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and currently a military expert, mentioned that the ceasefire regarding attacks on energy infrastructure is a gesture towards Russia. Thanks to such arrangements, for at least 30 days, Putin does not have to worry about Ukraine's most threatening weapons.
Romanenko, speaking on a Ukrainian TV broadcast, noted that the Americans were receiving little aside from energy. He pointed out Putin's deep concern over the matter as Ukraine continues to enhance its strike capabilities against Russia. He emphasized that drone ranges have extended from 2,500 to 3,000 kilometres, steadily increasing power.
Ukrainian drones have become a nightmare for Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the existence of a drone with a range of 3,000 kilometres in March this year. He did not provide many details but reassured that the machine had been successfully tested.
The new drone will join many others conducting effective raids on crucial targets deep inside Russia for some time. The most severe strikes were on Russian refineries and large ammunition depots, the effects of which the Russians still feel today. Moreover, Ukrainian drones targeted several Russian military bases and airfields, including the Olenya base, which houses strategic bombers Tu-22M3 and Tu-95MS. It is located almost 2,000 kilometres from the Ukrainian border.
Ukrainian drones have attracted the attention of Russia and the world
Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, the Ukrainian military has made significant advances in using drones. The local industry also specialises in its production. Even the most extensive powers have taken notice. South Korea and the USA are among those interested in acquiring the "specialised knowledge of Ukrainians in the field of drone warfare."
Initially, Ukrainian forces relied on Rubaka and Bóbr drones with ranges of 500 kilometres and 1,000 kilometres, respectively. In 2024, Vadym Sucharewski, commander of the Unmanned Systems of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, confirmed the existence of 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. For their purposes, Ukrainians modified the Tu-141 "Strizh," a Soviet unmanned reconnaissance aircraft.
Romanenko believes that Vladimir Putin ignored Donald Trump's proposal for a complete 30-day ceasefire because it was not advantageous for him. At the same time, the Russian leader is worried about Ukraine's growing capabilities to strike Russian energy infrastructure. Particularly given that, with their drones, Kyiv can operate them entirely at its discretion, without needing anyone's permission to target locations in Russia. However, they had to rely on long-range Western weapons, such as American ATACMS missiles.
