"Prayer of demon drones": The unusual strategy Russia resorts to counter Ukraine's lethal drone threat

The Russians are investing heavily in measures to prevent these drone attacks. They are jamming frequencies in the battlefield and leading an elaborate electronic offensive, constructing special hoods on vehicles, and ensuring trenches are fortified with nets and smart constructions. Despite their efforts, they are still vulnerable.

How should one respond when small, speedy drones attack by surprise, with remarkable precision? The Ukrainians have excelled in developing this mode of attack, inflicting serious damage on their enemies at a relatively low cost. Surprisingly, sometimes an assault by a small, first-person-view (FPV) drone proves more effective than artillery, tanks, or High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems.

In an unexpected turn of events, the Moscow church has offered a solution in the form of a unique prayer against drones.

The armed forces can now pray for the preservation of life and health and for drone attacks to be inefficacious. While not the entire prayer is suitable for quotable content, interesting fragments include a plea for "strength and courage to cope in the fight for truth and freedom" and mention of the danger drones pose.

"Look at us, who are crying and suffering from demon drones" - reads the Russian army's prayer.

One section seeks divine intervention for God to "deliver us from the evil power of our enemies". Given the circumstances of the war in Ukraine, the prayer could be interpreted as odd and is christened "Prayer of Demon Drones" since it attributes the innovation of the modern forces in Kiev to malevolent forces. This is the perception held by many Russians today.

The endorsement of this belief by the Moscow church, operating hand in glove with Vladimir Putin, further legitimizes this viewpoint.

The prayer text is accompanied by an image of Saint Barbara, known as the patron saint of miners, ironworkers, raftsman, sailors, fishermen, stonecutters, soldiers and prisoners amongst others, holding a drone. It is not surprising then that Vladimir Putin's soldiers seek her aid, as there are many convicts and guilty individuals amongst them.

Seemingly, Saint Barbara is now also tasked with overseeing victims of drone attacks.

These unconventional Russian strategies have become a source of mockery for Ukrainians who find drones invaluable for reconnaissance, kamikaze attacks, and in targeting artillery and missiles. Over 10,000 operators have been trained to profitably utilize these so-called ‘loitering ammunition’ in the battlefield.

With the production of top-class drones like "Baba Yaga", "Scythian", or "Shark", the Ukrainians continue to lead the charge. Russians, however, are persevering to create skilful troops, with their efforts gradually paying off. The emergence of the notably successful drone, "Lancet", gives them a foothold in the drone sector, although they still have strides to make in matching the Ukrainians' competency. As for Saint Barbara's views on all this, remains an open-ended question.