A Ukrainian drone has successfully targeted a Russian industrial facility located approximately 1,300 kilometres from Ukraine, an official reported. This development follows President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s emphasis on enhancing drone capabilities, particularly after a record barrage of drones launched by Russia in June against Ukraine.
Since the onset of the conflict three years ago, both Ukraine and Russia have made significant strides in drone technology, resulting in the deployment of more advanced and lethal unmanned aerial vehicles on the battlefield. This ongoing escalation has turned the conflict into a practical testing ground for new weaponry.
While Ukraine is currently facing intense military pressure along its nearly 1,000-kilometre front line, analysis indicates that its defensive strategies are holding robustly. Despite stagnation in direct peace negotiations backed by international efforts, both nations are intensifying their military capabilities. In June, Russia launched an unprecedented 5,438 drones against Ukraine, marking a new record for monthly operations.
In a notable incident, a Ukrainian drone struck the Kupol Electromechanical Plant in Izhevsk, east of Moscow, resulting in three fatalities and 35 injuries, according to local authorities. This plant is known for manufacturing air defence systems and drones for the Russian military, with two significant impacts reported on its facilities.
Over recent months, Ukraine has increasingly employed its domestically manufactured long-range drones to engage strategic targets across Russia, including a May 2022 strike on a radar system in Orsk. In response to the heightened Russian drone strikes, President Zelenskyy indicated plans to boost domestic drone production, prioritising both interceptor and long-range strike capabilities.
Zelenskyy expressed the critical need for advancements in unmanned systems to counter Russia’s escalating drone usage. Reports suggest that Russian military operations have increased their drone activity, with overnight claims of 60 Ukrainian drones being intercepted across several regions.
In parallel, Russian drones have attacked cities in southern Ukraine, disrupting power for over 1,600 households. Ukrainian air force officials reported that Russia fired 52 drones in a single evening.
Amidst these developments, retired U.S. Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg publicly condemned Russia for continuing assaults on civilian areas, urging an immediate ceasefire and resumption of negotiations to resolve the war. As military support from Europe has increasingly outstripped U.S. aid, discussions surrounding future assistance remain uncertain.
Lastly, in a rare direct conversation, Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron spoke regarding various global issues, including the Iranian-Israeli conflict and the situation in Ukraine. Macron reiterated France’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and called for a swift ceasefire to facilitate peace talks.