Dmytro "Liber" Zhluktenko explains how Ukraine's new mid-range drones are creating a "logistics lockdown" for the Russian army.
Dmytro "Liber" Zhluktenko, a lessons-learned analyst for Ukraine's 413th Unmanned Systems Regiment, reports that new mid-range strike drones are significantly disrupting Russian logistics. These drones target areas 20 to 300 kilometers from the front lines, transforming regions Russia previously considered safe into active "kill zones." By utilizing Starlink terminals for internet connectivity, Ukrainian operators can strike warehouses, transportation hubs, and command posts with high efficiency. Zhluktenko noted that these highways are heavily loaded with military supplies, making it difficult for Russia to avoid targets. This strategy forces the Russian military to stretch its air defenses thin, as defending such a vast middle zone requires significant resources. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense reported that drones now account for approximately 90% of all strikes against enemy targets. Since the beginning of the year, unmanned systems have struck over 1 million confirmed targets. This technological shift allows Ukraine to seize the initiative, paralyzing Russian operations by increasing the time required to deliver armaments to the front lines.