Ukraine has launched a large drone offensive against Russian military targets, deploying 114 uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) in a single night.
This marks one of the most substantial operations of its kind during the ongoing conflict. According to the Ukrainian Defence Intelligence, this large-scale UAV attack is a notable escalation in their military strategy.
The Russian Ministry of Defence (MOD) stated that the attack was largely repelled, claiming that 70 drones were shot down over Crimea, and another 43 were intercepted over the Krasnodar Territory.
Additionally, a drone was reportedly downed over the Volgograd Region, and six uncrewed attack boats were destroyed in the Black Sea by Russian aircraft.
This offensive coincides with the United States’ decision to prioritise the delivery of Patriot missile systems to Ukraine. The US had previously announced a $61 billion military aid package for Ukraine in April, which included these advanced missile systems.
The Pentagon has confirmed that these US-supplied weapons can be utilised for cross-border attacks into Russia.
The urgency of the Patriot missile system deliveries comes as part of a broader strategy to bolster Ukraine’s air defence capabilities. The US House of Representatives recently approved the military aid package, aiming to enhance Ukraine’s ability to defend against Russian air strikes and ground assaults.
In response to Ukraine’s increasing military capabilities, Russia has begun targeting Ukrainian air bases. This move appears to be an attempt to hinder Ukraine from deploying their newly acquired F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, which are expected to significantly enhance their aerial combat capabilities.