The conflict in Ukraine has highlighted the strategic use of kamikaze drones to combat expensive military equipment. These drones, also known as First Person View (FPV) drones, are increasingly being used by the Ukrainian army to inflict substantial losses on Russian forces. For instance, the Ukrainian special forces recently destroyed a modern Russian mobile communications station, R-416GM, using a cheap FPV kamikaze drone. This operation hampered communication between Russian command posts and their units, showcasing the efficacy of low-cost drones in modern warfare.
As the war in Ukraine drags on, both sides continue to leverage drone technology to their advantage. Ukrainian forces have ramped up the development and deployment of small FPV drones, which are not only inexpensive but also effective in disrupting enemy operations. These drones are particularly useful in situations where artillery shells are scarce, offering a cost-effective alternative. Recent attacks have seen these drones being used extensively to target Russian soldiers and equipment in the Ukrainian hinterland as well.
Meanwhile, Russia has also been utilizing kamikaze drones, and both factions frequently publish videos showcasing these drone strikes. These clips often feature drones crashing into tanks or targeting soldiers in trenches, thus serving as a psychological warfare tool in addition to their physical destructive capacity. Russian authorities state that they are producing hundreds of thousands of small FPV drones and tens of thousands of heavy combat drones.
The international community is also stepping in to assist Ukraine in its drone warfare efforts. In April, Lithuania committed to supplying Ukraine with 3,000 combat drones worth two million euros. This support from Western allies aims to bolster Ukraine's combat capabilities against Russia's superior firepower.
In addition to drone warfare, both Ukraine and Russia have stepped up their missile and drone attacks, resulting in collateral damage. Recently, Russian forces concentrated their firepower on the Pokrovsk front in the Donetsk region, causing several injuries and significant structural damage. Conversely, Russia reported thwarting an overnight drone attack from Ukraine, shooting down 87 Ukrainian drones. Despite the extensive use of these technologies, a diplomatic resolution remains elusive. Moscow proposed a ceasefire contingent on Ukraine withdrawing from significant territories and halting efforts to join NATO, but Ukraine has rejected these terms, describing them as unreasonable.
- Oleg, a 57-year-old resident of the war-torn town of Seledov near the Donetsk front line, recounted the harrowing experience of a recent Russian air attack. 'I heard a strange noise at about nine o'clock on Thursday evening and thought several helicopters were flying overhead until I saw the explosion,' he said. The attack injured six people and caused extensive damage to residential and commercial buildings.
- These aggressive tactics from both sides have resulted in numerous night strikes and air battles. Ukraine reported that its air defenses successfully intercepted 24 out of 31 missiles and drones launched by Russia during a recent night of heavy bombardment. The skirmishes further damaged infrastructure, including a fuel warehouse in Russia and several homes in Ukraine's Sumy and Kharkiv regions.
- International perspectives remain divided on the ongoing conflict. While Washington supports Ukraine's stance, some global actors urge a peaceful resolution. However, the primary sticking point remains Russia's demand for Ukraine to cease its aspirations to join NATO—a condition Ukraine finds unacceptable.
