The Ukrainian Defense Forces have reportedly taken the initiative in drone warfare, significantly disrupting Russian logistics and artillery capabilities. This development was highlighted by Ivan Kyrychevskyi, a military officer from the 413th Special Purpose Brigade “Raid,” in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
According to Kyrychevskyi, Ukrainian drones are systematically targeting and destroying enemy supply lines, which has notably hampered the Russians’ ability to deploy artillery—an area previously considered a strength of the occupying forces.
“We have not only seized the initiative in the use of drones from the Russians but also the strategy of how to turn a drone into a successful tool on the battlefield,” he stated.
Ukrainian operators have established a striking zone extending 10 to 15 kilometers, complicating the supply routes for Russian troops at the front lines.
Kyrychevskyi noted that, due to the efforts of the Defense Forces, particularly the “Raid” brigade, heavy vehicles and even railway locomotives belonging to the occupiers are being systematically destroyed at considerable distances from the frontline.
For instance, in mid-November, Ukrainian forces successfully thwarted a mechanized assault by the Russians on the border of Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions, destroying rare Russian T-80BV tanks, which were equipped with specialized armor.
In less than two years, the “Raid” brigade has reportedly destroyed at least 7,000 enemy targets. According to Kyrychevskyi, this achievement surpasses the accomplishments of the well-publicized Russian unit “Rubikon” in both quantity and significance.
Kyrychevskyi emphasized that the turning point and accumulation of positive outcomes in drone warfare is the result of systematic efforts across all levels over the past nine months to a year. He pointed out that the key to this success lies not solely in technology but in the personnel involved.
“Ukraine is currently demonstrating success in the use of drones on the battlefield not because the appropriate technologies were invented, but because there are determined individuals who can transform any drone into a lethal instrument,” he concluded.
Ukrainian forces have gained a strategic advantage in drone warfare, disrupting Russian logistics and artillery. This shift is attributed to systematic efforts and skilled personnel within the Defense Forces.