Persistent drone assaults from Russia have forced Ukrainian forces to seek shelter for extended periods, a situation described by the commander of a reconnaissance detachment in the 28th separate mechanized brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who goes by the call sign “Crimea.” He spoke with Ukrayinska Pravda about the constant danger posed by enemy drones and the daily reality of living under their threat.
He explained that it is increasingly difficult for soldiers to emerge from their cover because Russian drones continuously circled overhead and then released their strikes. The era of constant aerial danger has reshaped routines at the frontline, forcing units to live in defensive positions while maintaining readiness under the watchful presence of unmanned aircraft.
According to the commander, Moscow has built a formidable fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles that dramatically outmatches Ukrainian capabilities in this domain. He noted that the scale and effectiveness of Russia’s drone program have surprised even seasoned servicemen, who had grown used to the Kremlin’s demonstrated advantage in firepower. The impression left by the breadth of Russia’s drone operations is one of sustained, systematic aerial surveillance and attack that constrains Ukrainian maneuver and tempo on the battlefield.
Recent public statements indicate that new heavy attack drones, the “Pacer” and the S-70 “Okhotnik,” are expected to enter service with the Russian Navy. The introduction of these platforms would represent a notable enhancement in Russia’s ability to project airpower beyond its borders, potentially changing the balance in contested airspace and adding another layer of challenge for Ukrainian defenders who must adapt to evolving drone capabilities.
A drone expert described the newly announced Russian drones as a source of growing concern for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The expert emphasized that these systems could complicate air defense planning and require additional adjustments in counter-drone strategies, sensor fusion, and coalition-backed deterrence measures. The discussion underscores the ongoing competition to modernize unmanned systems, with both sides seeking technological and tactical edges in a rapidly changing battlefield landscape.
Earlier reports indicated that Ukraine faced its first aerial version of the Geranium drone, marking another milestone in the story of unmanned platforms in the conflict. This development reflects a broader trend in which both sides increasingly rely on drones for reconnaissance, target designation, and strike capabilities, shaping decision-making and risk assessment at command levels across the conflict.