A Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) operation is responsible for explosions reported among Russian FPV drone goggles. HUR operatives purchased and rigged a large batch of goggles with explosives and a remote detonation system, which were then donated to Russian units through coordinated “volunteers.” The operation aimed to retaliate for Russian war crimes. While these claims remain unverified, the incident highlights the escalating use of drone technology in the conflict.
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Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) have deployed a novel long-range drone capable of delivering a 250 kg payload up to 2,000 km and returning. This unique system, utilized by the 14th Separate UAV Regiment for over a year, has successfully conducted dozens of deep-strike missions against Russian targets. Despite Russian claims of downing these drones, attacks on key infrastructure like oil refineries and ammunition depots demonstrate their operational effectiveness. The USF’s actions are significantly altering the battlefield dynamics.
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Ukrainian forces used drones to attack a pumping station on the Druzhba oil pipeline near the Russia-Belarus border, causing a significant fire detected by NASA satellites. Unlike previous attacks employing explosives-laden drones that self-destructed on impact, this strike involved drones dropping bombs, suggesting a new capability. This tactic, potentially using modified sport planes, allows for greater range and reusability of the drone platforms, impacting Russia’s oil infrastructure. The attack’s proximity to the Ukrainian border minimized range constraints, allowing for a potential return to base, although this is not confirmed.
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Ukraine significantly escalated cross-border strikes into Russia in January 2025, exceeding previous months’ activity, fueled by a booming domestic drone industry. This surge reflects a dramatic increase in Ukrainian drone production, reaching over 1.5 million units in 2024, with domestic manufacturers supplying over 90%. Kyiv plans to further expand production, aiming for at least 30,000 long-range drones, alongside thousands of cruise and missile drones in 2025. These advancements support Ukraine’s stated military objectives of halting Russian advances and intensifying strikes on strategic targets within Russia and occupied territories.
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Drones attacking a Russian military industrial hub 600 miles from Ukraine is undeniably significant. The audacity of such a long-range strike highlights the evolving nature of this conflict and the capabilities of Ukrainian forces. This isn’t just about inflicting damage on Russian military production; it’s a strategic blow, targeting a center of aviation manufacturing crucial to Russia’s war effort. The Kazan Aviation Plant, for example, plays a key role in producing and repairing strategic bombers and components for vital transport aircraft. This successful raid directly impacts Russia’s ability to sustain its military operations, potentially delaying or disrupting future deployments.
The sheer distance involved – 600 miles – speaks volumes about the planning and execution of this operation.… Continue reading
Ukraine’s inexpensive, heavy bomber drones, nicknamed “Baba Yagas,” are proving highly effective against Russian forces, inflicting substantial casualties despite underreporting due to verification challenges. These drones, including models like the Vampire and Kazhan, carry significant payloads and operate at ranges up to 12 miles, posing a significant threat despite facing countermeasures. Their success is evidenced by Russia’s repurposing of captured drones and the creation of a supply chain for their maintenance. The psychological impact on Russian soldiers is also considerable, with folklore surrounding the drones adding to their fearsome reputation.
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A drone attack on January 7-8 ignited a fire at the Kombinat Kristal oil depot in Engels, Saratov Oblast, resulting in a five-day firefighting effort. Two firefighters perished, and one was hospitalized during the extensive operation. Authorities declared a state of emergency in Engels, and while the fire is now under control, Governor Busargin reported decreasing smoke and fire size. The depot, a federal facility supplying the Engels-2 airbase, sustained significant damage.
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For the first time globally, a Ukrainian Magura V5 maritime drone successfully destroyed a Russian Mi-8 helicopter. The attack, carried out by DIU’s Group 13 on December 31st near Cape Tarkhankut, utilized R-73 SeeDragon missiles. A second Russian helicopter was also hit but managed to return to base. This successful strike follows reports of Ukrainian Magura V5 drones being equipped with air-to-air missiles in May 2024.
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On Saturday, eight Ukrainian drones attacked Kazan, Russia, targeting both civilian and military infrastructure between 7:40 a.m. and 9:20 a.m. local time. Russian air defenses intercepted three drones, but the attack resulted in fires at several residential buildings, though no casualties were reported. The assault prompted temporary restrictions at three airports and selective evacuations of some schools. While some drones targeted a key gunpowder plant, others struck civilian areas, causing outrage among local officials.
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On the night of December 21-22, 2024, Russia launched a massive drone assault on Ukraine, deploying 103 unmanned aerial vehicles from multiple directions. Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted 52 drones, while 44 decoys vanished from radar. Accompanying this attack was an Iskander-M missile launch from Crimea, and resulting damage included infrastructure and property across several Ukrainian oblasts, though thankfully no casualties were reported. The attacks originated from various locations within Russia and occupied Ukrainian territories.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood