The Ukrainian military is fully committed to drones as the weapon of the future. They cost little and can inflict heavy losses on the enemy – with little risk to their own troops.
According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine wants to expand the production of drones as an important means of warfare. “One million drones have already been ordered from our manufacturers for this year,” Zelensky said in his evening video address. In the coming year, there should be significantly more. “We are not disclosing all the details at this time, but our drone production capacity is steadily increasing, and we are working not only with state funds but also with partners to invest in our drone production.”
Ukraine was one of the first countries to create its own drone weapon system. For months, the Ukrainian military has been attacking numerous targets on Russian territory with combat drones. Refineries, fuel and ammunition depots, and military airfields are the preferred targets.
One reason for the increased use of unmanned aerial robots is the refusal of Western partners to allow the Ukrainian military to use the heavy weapons they supplied against targets on Russian territory. In addition, drones are comparatively cheap and can inflict heavy losses on the enemy with little risk to their own troops.
“We are investing in something that will help us defend ourselves now – and that will help in the future to ensure the security of all those who value life and who are now standing side by side with us,” said Zelensky. The wide range of reconnaissance drones to long-range drones already have a strategic impact on the war. In addition, they could be a factor “that not only brings about a just end to the war, but also makes Ukraine a security provider for other states,” said Zelensky.
Heavy fighting on the Ukrainian-Russian border
Meanwhile, Russian and Ukrainian troops are engaged in heavy fighting on the border between the two countries. According to Russian reports, several hundred Ukrainian soldiers attempted to storm across the border in the Kursk region with the support of tanks. “The enemy was repelled by artillery fire, air strikes and the use of combat drones,” the Defense Ministry in Moscow announced in the evening. The Ukrainian troops then attempted to establish themselves on their side of the border.
The Ukrainian side reported that the Russian armed forces had suffered “significant losses”. Among other things, a Russian Ka-52 “Alligator” attack helicopter was shot down. The information provided by the two warring parties could not be independently verified.
Reports of fighting and the use of fighter jets circulated on social media in Russia. One video showed a burned-out tanker truck on the side of the road, but no location was given.
Russians continue to advance in eastern Ukraine
Meanwhile, Russian troops continued to advance in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. As the pro-government Ukrainian military channel Deep State reported, the town of Nyu-York (New York) is already partly under the control of Russian units. Among other things, the Russian flag has already been raised over the school building in the northwestern part of the town.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
