Ukrainian forces tighten the noose around Russian pockets near Pokrovsk, and the intensity of the fighting, described in detail, is nothing short of relentless. Ukrainian forces are not just fighting; they are systematically dismantling any Russian attempts to reinforce or maneuver within the contested area. The use of advanced technology, particularly FPV drones, has become a defining element of this offensive, transforming the battlefield into a deadly hunting ground where every movement is scrutinized and every hiding place is potentially a death trap. The effectiveness of this strategy is evident in the accounts of ambushes and the swift elimination of Russian units, turning what was once a potential lifeline into a lethal bottleneck for Russia.… Continue reading
On August 22nd, the 118th Separate Mechanized Brigade reported the downing of a Russian Orlan drone carrying two FPV drones, a first for the Ukrainian military. This marks the first instance of Ukraine destroying a “mother drone,” a reconnaissance drone that carries other UAVs. The Orlan, a widely used Russian reconnaissance drone, often directs artillery attacks and can travel long distances. This event underscores the importance of drone warfare innovation in Ukraine’s ongoing defense strategy, including the development of its own drone-carrier with a German defense company.
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President Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine’s recent drone attack on Russian airfields, codenamed Operation Spiderweb, utilized solely domestically produced FPV drones, successfully damaging a significant portion of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet. This operation, planned for 18 months and overseen by Zelensky and the SBU chief, involved cleverly concealing the drones and employing unwitting truck drivers for transport. The attack, while reported to have disabled 34% of Russia’s strategic bombers, demonstrates Ukraine’s growing capacity for drone production and innovative warfare tactics.
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Operation Pavutyna, a year-and-a-half-long Ukrainian Security Service operation led by Vasyl Maliuk, successfully destroyed 41 Russian strategic aircraft across four airfields, representing 34% of Russia’s strategic cruise missile carriers. The operation, involving FPV drones transported and launched via a complex logistical scheme, inflicted over $7 billion in damage. This targeted strike, deemed a legitimate act of war under international law by Ukrainian officials, aims to demilitarize Russia and will continue as long as Russian attacks on Ukraine persist.
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On June 1st, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) launched Operation “Spiderweb,” a complex, six-month operation involving 117 FPV drones to attack four Russian air bases. The operation, personally overseen by President Zelenskyy, successfully damaged 41 Russian aircraft, including strategic missile carriers, representing 34% of Russia’s total, at a cost of $7 billion. This unprecedented attack utilized uniquely designed drone launch systems and was executed simultaneously across four time zones. The SBU stated the operation aims to deter further Russian attacks on Ukraine.
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A large-scale Ukrainian drone operation, codenamed “Web,” successfully destroyed over 40 Russian aircraft at multiple air bases deep within Russian territory. The operation, personally overseen by President Zelenskyy and spanning over 18 months, involved the ingenious deployment of FPV drones hidden in mobile structures. This attack, resulting in an estimated $7 billion in damage, targeted long-range bombers crucial to Russia’s offensive capabilities. The audacious strike occurred hours before scheduled peace talks in Istanbul, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the two nations.
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Ukraine’s defense industry has rapidly expanded, making it the world’s leading producer of FPV drones with over 2.2 million units manufactured. This surge in production is part of a broader effort to localize defense manufacturing, with over 50% of materials for missiles, electronic warfare systems, and robotic platforms now sourced domestically. Significant investment and contracts totaling $35 billion are underway, supporting this growth. This self-reliance initiative is crucial for Ukraine’s defense against ongoing Russian aggression and is bolstered by continued Western military aid exceeding $24 billion.
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Ukraine’s domestic drone production surged in 2024, comprising 96.2% of all UAVs used by the Defence Forces. This significant increase, driven by Ministry of Defence orders, included a wide range of UAV types, from FPV drones to long-range strike drones. Over 1.5 million FPV drones alone were produced, showcasing a highly effective state-industry collaboration. This success underscores the growth of Ukraine’s defense industry and will continue to be prioritized in 2025.
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Ukrainian intelligence recently provided Syrian rebels with approximately 150 FPV drones and 20 operators to aid in attacks against Russian and Syrian forces. This covert operation, though playing a modest role in the overall Syrian conflict, represents a broader Ukrainian effort to undermine Russian interests globally. While not a secret, the Ukrainian actions were reportedly unknown to senior Biden administration officials. Similar operations have targeted Russian mercenaries in Mali, resulting in significant casualties and severed diplomatic ties between Ukraine and Mali.
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Ukrainian forces, spearheaded by the 48th Separate Assault Battalion, liberated Novy Komar village in Donetsk Oblast from Russian occupation on December 4th, inflicting heavy casualties and capturing enemy marines. The successful operation leveraged effective assault infantry tactics and significant support from FPV drone teams. Simultaneously, Ukrainian troops repelled a Russian bridgehead attempt near Novomlynsk in Kharkiv Oblast, maintaining control of the Oskil River’s west bank. Both victories demonstrate continued Ukrainian success in pushing back Russian forces.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker