Ukrainian Drone Strikes Disrupt Russian Combat Operations

The success rate of Ukraine’s drones, estimated at 70-80%, is forcing Russia to scramble for countermeasures. As Ukraine innovates on the battlefield, experts say its drone warfare is reshaping modern military strategy.

Source: skynews

Ukraine's long-range drone strikes are severely impacting Russia’s ability to conduct combat operations, Brigadier General Yuriy Shchygol has revealed. Speaking to Sky News, the senior Ukrainian commander stated that precision strikes on Russian ammunition depots, fuel refineries and command centers have weakened Moscow’s war effort and sown panic among its military ranks.

Mass Drone Production Set to Quadruple

In a bold move, Ukraine plans to increase drone production to over 2,000 strike drones per month, more than quadrupling its current rate. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have already proven instrumental in targeting key Russian infrastructure, reducing fuel supplies for tanks, jets and warships.

Source: skynews

Brigadier Shchygol noted that Russia is struggling to counter Ukraine’s drone warfare capabilities. “Compared to a year ago, conducting full-scale combat operations has become significantly more challenging for them,” he said.

Devastating Impact on Russian Supply Chains

Analysis of recent drone strikes suggests that Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian oil refineries and weapons storage facilities since December 2024. Brigadier Shchygol confirmed that while Ukraine publicly acknowledges some attacks, many more remain classified.

The strikes have had a tangible impact: over 3,000 Iranian-designed Shahed drones, used by Russia against Ukrainian targets, have been destroyed. As a result, Russia’s ability to deploy these UAVs has significantly decreased.

Inside Ukraine’s Covert Drone Operations

Sky News was granted rare access to a top-secret Ukrainian drone mission. As night fell, elite Defense Intelligence operatives, clad in black, prepared a fleet of drones named Lutti (Ukrainian for "Fury"). These aircraft, resembling giant metallic mosquitoes, were launched toward an ammunition depot inside Russia.

“Vector,” the mission commander, revealed that Ukraine’s deep-strike drones have a success rate of 70-80%. “We change the war with these drones,” he said. “We can show Russia that the war can come to their homes, their cities.”

Russia’s Size Becomes a Strategic Weakness

Despite Russia’s vast territory, its military struggles to defend critical sites from relentless Ukrainian drone strikes. Lacking comprehensive air defences, Russia’s weapons depots, oil refineries and command centers remain vulnerable.

Brigadier Shchygol emphasized the strategic effectiveness of these strikes: “The slowing pace of their offensives – and even Ukrainian counter-offensives reclaiming territory – proves that our strikes are growing more effective.”

From Farm Equipment to Battlefield Weapons

Ukraine’s drone technology has evolved dramatically since the war began. Initially adapted from agricultural surveillance aircraft, Ukrainian engineers have developed advanced UAVs resembling fighter jets, equipped with explosives and autopilot systems.“This war has forced Ukraine to innovate, right now, Ukraine’s battlefield experience is essentially a manual for the world,” Brigadier Shchygol remarked. 

The Future of Warfare?

As Ukraine expands its drone production and refines its strike capabilities, military experts believe the conflict is shaping the future of modern warfare. With drones proving their strategic value, their role in global conflicts is set to increase.

For Russia, the challenge is clear: adapt or continue to suffer devastating blows from Ukraine’s expanding arsenal of long-range drones.