Hundreds of drones and strikes on cities: CNN exposes Russia’s new tactics
Photo: Russia increases the number of drones and changes the tactics of attacks on Ukraine (Getty Images)
In recent weeks, Russia has significantly intensified its air attacks on Ukraine, launching up to 479 drones and missiles in a single night. The scale and new tactics complicate Ukraine’s defense efforts, CNN reports.
According to CNN, the seven largest drone attacks since the start of the war occurred within the past month. Russia is ramping up drone production, particularly Iranian-made Shahed drones, with around 2,700 units produced monthly, alongside over 2,500 decoy drones.
Christina Harward, an analyst at the Institute for the Study of War, explains that the use of decoys forces Ukrainian air defenses to expend resources distinguishing them from real strike drones.
At the same time, drones are launched from high altitudes, making them harder to destroy with ground-based defenses.
Last week, Russia focused attacks on several key cities — Kyiv, Odesa, and Kharkiv. Experts say this new tactic aims not only to cause destruction but also to increase psychological pressure.
Meanwhile, civilian casualties are rising: at least 154 civilians, including children, have been killed in the past four weeks, with around 900 more wounded.
Despite this, Ukraine’s air defense remains effective, intercepting about 80% of attacking drones.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the air defense forces and volunteers, noting that Ukraine is developing interceptor drones to counter high-altitude attacks.
Reports indicate Ukraine currently lags behind in drone production: Russia produces 300–350 drones daily, while Ukraine manufactures about 100. The issue now lies more in funding than technology.
Drone attacks from Russia
The Russian military constantly changes the technical specs and flight paths of their strike drones used against Ukraine.
"They also vary their approach routes. Most are strategically launched from Kursk region territory. We’ve also recorded approaches from Bryansk region. They change altitudes and routes," said Vadym Mysnyk, spokesperson for the operational tactical group Siversk.
