Ukrainian drones push Russia to the brink: Ceasefire optics or real fear?
Ihor Romanenko, the former deputy chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and current military expert, stated that the ceasefire regarding attacks on energy infrastructure is a gesture toward Russia. Thanks to these arrangements, Putin does not have to fear Ukraine's most dangerous weapons for at least 30 days.
Romanenko, speaking on a Ukrainian TV station, pointed out that the Americans were receiving little apart from energy. He noted Putin’s growing concern over Ukraine’s expanding strike capabilities against Russia, highlighting that drone ranges had extended from 1,550 to 1,860 miles, with their power steadily increasing.
Ukrainian drones have become a nightmare for Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed in March this year the existence of a drone with a range of 1,860 miles. He did not provide many details but assured that the machine had been successfully tested.
The new drone will join many others conducting effective raids on essential targets deep inside Russia for some time. The most severe were strikes on Russian refineries and large ammunition depots, the effects of which Russians still feel today. Additionally, Ukrainian drones attacked some Russian military bases and airfields, including the Olenya base, which houses strategic bombers Tu-22M3 and Tu-95MS. It is located almost 1,240 miles from the Ukrainian border.
Ukrainian drones have attracted the attention of Russia and the world
Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, the Ukrainian army has made significant progress in using drones. The local industry has also become specialized in their production. Even significant powers have taken notice. South Korea and the USA are among those interested in acquiring the "specialized knowledge of Ukrainians in the field of drone warfare."
Initially, Ukrainian forces relied on Rubaka and Bóbr drones with ranges of 310 miles and 620 miles, respectively. In 2024, Vadym Sucharewski, commander of the Unmanned Systems of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, confirmed the existence of a drone with a range of over 1,240 miles. However, the specifications, like those of the drone mentioned by President Volodymyr Zelensky, remain shrouded in mystery. For their needs, Ukrainians modified the Tu-141 "Strizh," a Soviet unmanned reconnaissance aircraft.
Romanenko believes that Vladimir Putin ignored Donald Trump's proposal for a complete 30-day ceasefire because it was not advantageous for him. At the same time, the Russian leader is concerned about Ukraine's continuously growing capabilities to strike Russian energy infrastructure. Especially since, in the case of their drones, Kyiv can use them entirely at will, without needing anyone's permission to attack targets in Russia. However, they have to do so with long-range Western weapons, such as American ATACMS missiles.
