Ukraine defies the US, advances drones to hit deep into Russia

Under President Volodymyr Zelensky's directive, who has made this technology a focal point of Ukraine's defense strategy, the country has dedicated hundreds of millions of dollars to developing long-range drones. These drones are designed to identify and hit faraway targets, with about half a dozen companies currently involved in their production.

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"The Economist" highlighted that the drone production initiative emerged as a critical response to the West's hesitance in supplying Ukraine with long-range weaponry. Highlighted as a shining example of ingenuity under pressure, the drone program has notably disrupted parts of Russia's oil and military infrastructure.

The White House, expressing dissatisfaction over these developments, has been pressuring Ukraine to halt these operations. According to "The Economist," the United States' concerns span from the potential spike in international oil prices to fears of rampant Russian backlash, which could inflict severe damage on Ukraine.

"The Economist" reports that anxiety regarding Russian counterstrikes intensified at the end of March, following Russia's commencement of assaults on Ukrainian energy facilities, resulting in multibillion-dollar damages to the Ukrainian economy.

The magazine outlines how these attacks have laid bare vulnerabilities in air defense and susceptibility to Russia's advanced Ch-69 maneuvering missiles. On April 10th, such missiles obliterated a power station in Trypillya, roughly 25 miles from Kyiv, despite the area being under the protection of the capital's Patriot air defense system, "The Economist" reports.

According to the British publication, Ukraine has yet to heed US advice on ceasing the drone strikes. An intelligence officer involved in the program, known by the call sign "Detective," mentioned in a discussion with the magazine that he hasn't been instructed to curtail operations but noted targets within Russian borders are frequently revised.

"Russia is scorching Ukrainian land; it’s time we did the same to the European [part of] Russia," says Ukrainian official

"Our targets change daily; we keep the Russians on their toes," "The Economist" quotes him as saying.

A leading Ukrainian drone manufacturer shared that not all American officials are in favor of stopping the attacks on Russia. "They’re privately telling us to keep going," he conveyed during an interview with "The Economist".

The source hinted at the expected expansion of the Ukrainian drone program in the upcoming months, stating, "Russia is burning Ukrainian soil. It's time to reciprocate," he asserted.