The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has arrested two individuals in Kyiv accused of attempting to extort $200,000 from a European defense company, potentially jeopardizing the delivery of electronic warfare (EW) systems to Ukraine's military, the SBU reported on June 14.

The suspects allegedly demanded the payment in exchange for facilitating the successful testing and adoption of five radio electronic warfare systems provided to Ukraine at no cost, according to statements released by the SBU and the Prosecutor General's Office.

The devices, supplied by a private foreign manufacturer, were financed by Ukraine's international partners. The producer had already delivered five systems to Ukraine, with additional contracts possible if the equipment performed well in combat conditions, the SBU said.

According to investigators, the suspects falsely claimed to have influence within Ukraine's Defense Ministry and promised to use their connections to ensure positive evaluations of the equipment.

"Under the guise of having contacts within the ministry, the men demanded $200,000 from the company in exchange for ensuring no obstacles during official trials of the equipment," the Prosecutor General's Office said in a statement.

Both men have been formally charged under Ukraine's Criminal Code for alleged obstruction of the Armed Forces and receiving unlawful benefits through influence peddling. The charges carry a possible sentence of up to eight years in prison and asset confiscation.

The arrests were made as part of a broader investigation led by the SBU and conducted under the procedural oversight of the Specialized Defense Prosecutor's Office. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing to identify all individuals involved.

Ukraine continues to rely heavily on international military assistance as it defends against Russia's full-scale invasion, now in its fourth year. Ukraine uses EW systems during Russian attacks on its cities and on the front line.

Kyiv and its Western partners launched an electronic warfare coalition in April, which consists of 11 countries and comes on top of other eight Western coalitions to support Ukraine. Other similar initiatives include an artillery coalition, a fighter jet coalition, and a demining coalition, organized within the framework of the Ramstein format.

From buffer zone to new front: Russia pushes deeper into Sumy Oblast

In March 2025, as Ukrainian forces made their final retreat from Sudzha in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, new grey spots began to appear on open-source maps on the other side of the state border, in Ukraine’s Sumy Oblast. For the first time since 2022, when Moscow’s forces retreated

The Kyiv IndependentFrancis Farrell

A Russian Molniya-2 kamikaze drone was brought down by a Ukrainian FPV drone reportedly using electronic warfare capabilities, footage shared on 9 June showed, according to Militarnyi. 

The video shows the Russian Molniya-2 drone losing control as a Ukrainian interceptor approached. Militarnyi reports that this suggests the use of an onboard electronic warfare (EW) system, which jammed the UAV’s control signals and forced it to crash. The operators of Ukraine’s Southern Defense Forces reportedly executed this interception using a non-contact approach.

Rising use of EW against cheap Russian drones

This is not the first known incident of a Ukrainian drone using EW methods to down a Russian UAV. Similar interceptions of Molniya drones were previously noted starting in mid-March, with a growing frequency through April and May. 

One likely vulnerability in the Molniya-2 drones is the use of ERLS control systems with active telemetry, allowing the detection of the UAV’s control frequencies. Ukrainian forces have reportedly exploited this flaw by emitting targeted jamming in narrow frequency bands. This method does not require high-power systems and can be deployed directly from the intercepting drone.

Cheap design and battlefield adaptability of Molniya-2

The Molniya-2 is a fixed-wing kamikaze drone developed as a low-cost, mass-produced weapon. Its construction involves foam, plastic, aluminum tubing, and wooden components. Electronics and engines are mostly standardized with FPV drones.

The Molniya-2 can fly up to 60 kilometers and reach speeds of 120 km/h. Its payload varies depending on the launch method. The drone can carry explosive charges or a TM-62 mine weighing up to 10 kilograms, according to Russian state media.

Militarnyi had earlier reported that Russian forces began adapting Molniya drones to serve as carriers for FPV drones.

Editor's Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

A Ukrainian drone attack struck the JSC VNIIR-Progress facility in the Russian city of Cheboksary in the Chuvashia Republic, causing explosions and massive fires, Russian Telegram news channels reported in the early hours of June 9.

The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces confirmed the strike, saying Ukrainian drone units, in coordination with other units, targeted VNIIR-Progress and ABS Electro in Cheboksary overnight as part of efforts to degrade Russia's capacity to produce air attack systems.

The targeted facilities are part of Russia's military-industrial complex and produce adaptive Kometa antennas, used in Shahed-type attack drones, planning and correction modules for guided aerial bombs (KAB), and other precision-guided weapons, the General Staff said.

The Ukrainian military confirmed that at least two drones struck the site, causing a large fire. The results of the strike are still being assessed.

VNIIR-Progress is a Russian state institute that specializes in developing electronic warfare (EW) systems, including the Kometa antenna, used to jam satellite, radio, and radar signals. The facility has been sanctioned by the U.S. and the EU.

Oleg Nikolayev, the head of the Chuvashia Republic, claimed that two drones "fell" on the premises of the VNIIR-Progress facility on June 9.

The "responsible decision was made to temporarily suspend production to ensure the safety of employees," he said.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify these claims.

In video footage from local residents purporting to show the attack on the facility, smoke and flames can be seen rising over the city of Cheboksary. One video, published by the Russian independent news outlet Astra, shows a drone approaching the target and making impact, causing another explosion.

VNIIR-Progress is a major research and development institute for Russian EW systems. It produces the Kometa antenna, which Russia uses to make its bombs more accurate and less vulnerable to Ukrainian interference.

The strike marks the second reported Ukrainian drone attack against Russia's Chuvashia Repbulic.

Ukraine reportedly attacked the Burevestnik oil refinery in Cheboksary on March 9, in its first reported drone strike in the region. The refinery lies over 900 kilometers (559 miles) from the Ukrainian border.

In recent days, Ukraine has launched a number of strikes against military facilities in Russia, including missile bases and airfields. The most audacious and high-profile attack came on June 1, when Ukraine carried out Operation Spiderweb — a mass drone strike that simultaneously targeted four major Russian air bases, reportedly damaging 41 planes.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed on June 9 that air defense units had intercepted 49 Ukrainian drones throughout the country.

Overnight drone strikes reportedly triggered flight restrictions at airports in Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Saratov, and Tambov.

Ukraine war latest: US expects Russia’s retaliation for Operation Spiderweb to continue soon; Ukraine denies Russian troop presence in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, describes situation as ‘tense’

Key developments on June 7-8: * US expects Russia’s retaliation for Operation Spiderweb to continue soon * Ukraine denies Russian troop presence in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast amid offensive, describes situation as ‘tense’ * Trump administration redirects 20,000 anti-drone missiles meant for Ukraine, Zelensky confirms * Ukraine downs fighter jet in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, Air

The Kyiv IndependentThe Kyiv Independent news desk

Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia launched 49 explosive Shahed drones, decoy drones, a cruise missile, and two guided missiles overnight on 8 June, with Ukrainian defenses neutralizing 40 of the drones.

According to the Air Force, the attack was countered by air defense missile units, mobile fire groups, and electronic warfare teams from both the Air Force and broader Defense Forces.

As of 09:00, 40 Shahed drones and other types of unmanned aerial vehicles were neutralized over the east, south, north, and center of Ukraine. Among these, 22 were destroyed by direct fire, while another 18 were either jammed or lost on radars with no further consequences.

Reuters: US expects another multi-pronged Russian strike after Ukraine’s Spiderweb drone attack

The Air Force’s data suggest that all three missiles and at least nine drones may have reached their intended targets. 

Key targets: Kharkiv and Donetsk oblasts

The Air Force identified Kharkiv Oblast and Donetsk Oblast as the main directions of the overnight Russian assault. Strikes were recorded at five locations.

While no direct damage or casualties from the latest attack were cited, regional reports provided updates on the previous day’s strikes. In Kharkiv Oblast, Head of the Oblast Military Administration Oleh Syniehubov stated that the city of Kharkiv and nine other settlements came under heavy Russian fire during 7 June.

Previous day’s toll: Civilians killed and injured

According to Syniehubov, the earlier attack left three civilians dead and 23 injured. Two of the fatalities occurred in Kharkiv, where 18 people were wounded. In the village of Staryi Saltiv, two women aged 46 and 53 and a 30-year-old man were injured. In Kupiansk, a 44-year-old man sustained injuries. In Kozacha Lopan, a 60-year-old man was killed, and another man aged 47 was injured.

Kharkiv endures most extensive attack since full-scale invasion began. Three civilians killed, dozens injured

Syniehubov detailed that Russian forces had used a wide variety of weapons in Kharkiv Oblast during the day, including one Kh-59 missile, nine guided aerial bombs (KABs), 64 Shahed drones, three “Geran-2” drones (the Iranian-designed Shahed-136 that Syniehubov, for some reason, refers to by its Russian designation), one Lancet drone, and two Molniya drones. In the city of Kharkiv itself, four KABs struck the Shevchenkivskyi and Kyivskyi districts.

Donetsk civilians also suffer casualties

Donetsk Oblast Head Vadym Filashkin reported that Russian attacks on 7 June killed four civilians: two in Yablunivka, one in Kostiantynivka, and one in Siversk. Another nine people in the oblast were injured.

FPV drone strike in Zaporizhzhia sets home ablaze

Separately, in the frontline town of Prymorske in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, a Russian FPV drone targeted a detached house, as reported by Oblast Head Ivan Fedorov on 8 June. The attack resulted in a fire that completely destroyed the building and left a 63-year-old man with shrapnel wounds. He was hospitalized and is receiving medical care.

Every day, 180 Russian glide bombs fall on Ukraine. Now they’re falling from twice as far away.

Russia has quietly deployed a new version of its satellite-guided glide bombs that can strike targets from more than 95 kilometers away—double the range of previous models.

The extended reach means Russian pilots can drop their deadly cargo while staying safely beyond most Ukrainian air defenses, fundamentally shifting the tactical balance along the 1100-kilometer front line.

The more aerodynamic UMPK-PD bomb first appeared under the wing of a Russian Sukhoi Su-34 fighter-bomber this spring.

“The Russian aerospace forces test new glide bombs with unified planning and correction modules with extended range (up to 95 km) in Kharkiv Oblast,” CDS reported. 

According to CDS, the Russians have lobbed UMPK-PDs at Kharkiv Oblast from positions over the village of Tomarovka in Belgorod Oblast, 30 km from Russia’s border with Ukraine, on May 31. “Similar glide bombs were used against defense forces in Sumy Oblast in May 2025,” CDS noted.

It’s unclear what percentage of the daily UMPK strikes involve the longer-range version. According to Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia has dropped 27,700 aerial bombs on Ukraine just this year. “That’s in less than half a year,” Zelensky said.

Jam-resistant glide bombs

The farther away from the target a warplane can drop its bomb, the fewer enemy air defenses it’s exposed to. Farther is safer. 

And it might help mitigate Ukrainian jamming, too. Ukrainian forces have deployed powerful electronic warfare systems that can broadcast radio noise in the direction of satellite-guided munitions such as the UMPKs.

One new jammer, the Lima, is partly responsible for the recent degradation of Russian glide bombing in Kharkiv Oblast, the team’s founder claimed.

Lima isn’t just a traditional jammer that simply blasts radio noise toward the enemy. “We use digital interference,” the founder explained. It’s “a combination of jamming, spoofing and information cyber attack on the navigation receiver.”

Ukrainian forces first deployed Lima to protect Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia, apparently last year.

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Forbes: Ukrainian jammers confuse Russia’s glide bombs, ending “golden era” of precision strikes (video)

“After the deployment of the E.W. system, the accuracy of the bombings first decreased and then, realizing the ineffectiveness of this method of destruction and the impossibility of achieving the goal, the enemy stopped shelling regional centers altogether,” said an official with Night Watch, the team that developed Lima. 

The jamming caused some Russians to panic. “The golden era of the divine UMPK turned out to be short-lived,” Fighterbomber, the unofficial Telegram channel of the Russian air force, noted in a recent missive. “All high-value targets are guaranteed to be covered by [electronic warfare],” the channel added.

But jamming requires a lot of electrical power—and it requires more electrical power the farther the target, a UMPK or another system, is from the jammer. “Like a long-distance runner, radio signals lose strength the further they travel,” explained Thomas Withington, an analyst with the Royal United Services Institute in London.

A farther-flying UMPK is exposed to less jamming, especially in the early moments of its flight. For at least a portion of its one-way journey toward its target, it might be able to navigate accurately. Even if Ukrainian jamming grows more powerful closer to the target, it might be too late: the bomb might already be on course for an accurate hit.

The good news for Ukrainian developers is there’s a straightforward solution to longer-range UMPKs. That is: jam harder, with more powerful emitters.

Ukrainian drones will reach a new level. Newly appointed commander of the unmanned systems forces, Robert “Madiar” Brovdy, launches a major upgrade and deployment, Texty reports. 

Brovdy says 6–7 units of the Unmanned Systems Forces’ Drone Line are expected to enter the top ten most effective UAV units in the current ranking of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Over the next 100 days, Brovdy also announced the following steps:

• Deployment of a unified electronic system for planning, coordination, command, and online reporting for all USF units, 
• Expansion of USF operations into tactical and operational depth with 12 levels of application — from reconnaissance to countering enemy drones, 
• Increase in domestic production of munitions and creation of a unified supply depot for critical components such as StarLink, batteries, EW systems, and FPV parts, 
• Use of ground robotic complexes for the logistics of munitions, drones, and peripherals, 
• Execution of a unified recruitment campaign and establishment of a proprietary training network for drone pilots and operators of various systems, 
• Separate re-certification of personnel, retraining of inexperienced or unfit crews, and retraining by types of flight activities. Command aims for a clear match between functions, training, and the combat potential of each fighter.

As part of the reform of the Unmanned Systems Forces, a unified approach is planned to analyze capabilities, operational facts, and effectiveness of actions according to drone models and types of ammunition. This will form the basis for precise planning and efficient real-time supply of units.

A separate direction, details of which are not disclosed, concerns the use of UAVs at strategic depth.

In the field of technology development, the current Innovation and Development Center is undergoing transformation. Instead of functioning at the brigade level, it will serve the needs of the entire branch of the armed forces.

Moscow ramps up production of millions of drones — not without help from China, which officially “knows nothing” about the cooperation, writes Politico. 

Moscow has gained an advantage in the drone war in Ukraine due to its vast financial resources, production lines located far from the front lines, and especially assistance from Beijing.

Oleh Aleksandrov, a representative of Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service, says Chinese manufacturers supply Russia with equipment, electronics, navigation, optical, and telemetry systems, engines, microchips, processor modules, antenna systems, and control boards.

“They use so-called shell companies, change names, do everything to avoid being subject to export control and avoid sanctions for their activities,” he explains. 

Officially, China claims to comply with all regulations. But only officially, Aleksandrov adds.

According to him, Russia increased its production of long-range drones from 15,000 in 2024 to over 30,000 this year and aims to produce up to 2 million small tactical drones. 

“They aim to produce about 30,000 long-range drones of those types plus 30,000 false target drones they use to exhaust Ukrainian air defenses in 2025,” he continues. 

As for FPV drones, the Russians intend to manufacture as many as 2 million of them in 2025.

Russia is also increasing its use of fiber-optic drones, which are immune to electronic warfare. Ukrainian forces previously could detect ordinary Russian drones as soon as they took off, but this is much harder with fiber-optic ones.

“So we have to use different acoustic and other means to trace those drones,” said Andrii, the army commander.

Moreover, according to him, the Russians are ramping up not only drone production but also electronic warfare systems. 

Radio frequencies change on his section of the front every two weeks. As a result, when Ukraine supplies drones, only about 20% of them are usable. Constant adjustments cost extra time and money.

Ukraine presented weapons that have already changed the rules of war at the European Defence Innovation Days 2025 (EDID25) exhibition in late May 2025, according to ArmyInform. 

Among the highlights were autonomous FPV drones, a new class of naval drones, and robotic ground systems transforming logistics on the front lines. 

The EDID25 forum was hosted by the European Defence Agency (EDA) in Kraków, Poland. The event brought together developers, military personnel, scientists, and industry leaders from across Europe.

Twelve Ukrainian companies showcased their innovations. According to Anatolii Khrapchynskyi, deputy director of an electronic warfare company and military expert, Ukraine did not come with concepts, but with real, battle-tested technology.

“These are not mock-ups. These are technologies that save lives and are changing the rules of modern warfare,” Khrapchynskyi emphasized.

Among the systems demonstrated:

• FPV drones with autonomous targeting, capable of striking without an operator, due to computer vision.
• Naval drones that have learned to intercept airborne targets — effectively a new class of weapons
• Mavic- and Matrice-type drones, fully assembled with Ukrainian-made electronics
• Ground robotic systems that revolutionize frontline logistics, remotely mine terrain, and establish new firing positions 

“Our technologies are not just innovation. They are combat experience transformed into solutions. We know how to turn challenges into breakthroughs,” said Khrapchynskyi.

A key takeaway for European partners is that Ukraine is becoming not just a production hub but a source of experience, flexibility, and strategic thinking.

That is why Khrapchynskyi stressed the need to establish an Engineering Command Center in Ukraine, a permanent hub for military innovation staffed by Ukrainian and European experts.

This center should:

• Translate battlefield experience into technical specifications;
• Anticipate the needs of future wars;
• Coordinate cross-sector development of systems and platforms.

“Europe is searching for solutions. And Ukraine has the answers — practical, combat-proven, and scalable,” the expert concluded.

Earlier, the Security Service of Ukraine reported that a total of 34% of Russia’s strategic missile carriers based at their main airfields were hit in the operation SpiderWeb, which targeted at least four airfields. 

Ukraine used smart FPV-drones launched from cargo trucks to target the aircraft. 

Russia launched 479 aerial weapons, including seven missiles and hundreds of drones, on Ukraine overnight on 1 June 2025, marking the largest drone and attack since the full-scale invasion began, according to Ukraine’s Air Force. The drone attack injured four civilians, yet one of the missiles reportedly hit a military training facility, killing 12 soldiers and injuring dozens others.

Ukraine’s Air Force reported that between 19:30 on 31 May and the early hours of 1 June, Russian forces attacked with 472 Shahed-type strike UAVs and decoy drones from directions  in Russia, including Millerovo, Shatalovo, Kursk, Oryol, Bryansk, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk.

Additionally, Russia launched three Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles from Kursk and Voronezh oblasts and four cruise missiles — both air- and ground-launched — including Kh-101 and Iskander-K types.

Air defense forces responded using aviation, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare systems, drone units, and mobile fire groups.

As of 13:30, a total of 385 aerial threats were reportedly neutralized, including 210 Shahed-type UAVs and three Kh-101/Iskander-K cruise missiles. Of those, 213 were shot down by kinetic means, while 172 were either jammed or disappeared from radar due to electronic warfare.

The air strikes targeted Kyiv Oblast, Kharkiv Oblast, Sumy Oblast, Zhytomyr Oblast, Odesa Oblast, Donetsk Oblast, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, and Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Strikes caused impacts in 18 separate locations, Air Force says.

Following a record 355-drone attack, Russia launches 60 drones—Ukraine intercepts most

Civilian impact in Kyiv oblast, Zaporizhzhia, and Odesa

In Kyiv Oblast, local authorities reported that 15 Russian drones were shot down. Ten detached houses were damaged in Bila Tserkva district, but no casualties were reported.

In Zaporizhzhia, according to the National Police, seven Shahed drone strikes and one missile hit the city and surrounding area between 04:06 and 04:33. Three civilians — two women and a man — were injured and received medical aid. Private homes and critical infrastructure were damaged. Zaporizhzhia Mayor’s Office reported emergency services boarded up windows in 13 homes and two apartment buildings.

A Zaporizhzhia resident named Serhii said his home, built over 10 years, was significantly damaged, Suspilne reported. He said something struck about 10 meters away, but he and his family hid behind a masonry stove, which saved their lives.

The Zaporizhzhia regional prosecutor’s office opened an investigation into a war crime under Article 438 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code.

In Odesa Oblast, Shahed drones struck Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district. Odesa Oblast Military Administration head Oleh Kiper confirmed private homes and a vacation facility were damaged. A fire broke out but was extinguished by emergency workers. No injuries or deaths were reported.

Drone strikes across Kharkiv Oblast

According to Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration head Oleh Syniehubov, 13 drones struck Izium, Lozova, and Kupiansk districts.

A 45-year-old woman in Lozova suffered acute stress, the State Emergency Service reported. Local authorities reported impacts on a school and a critical infrastructure site.

In Balakliia, seven strikes hit, damaging a civilian residential area and a factory.

A warehouse fire occurred in Izium. In Velykyi Burluk, a strike caused a fire on the second floor of an administrative building, damaging windows and a car. Power lines were also hit in Bunakove, Lozova community.

Russia’s massive missile and drone assault kills at least 12 civilians, injures 52, between two prisoner swaps

Missile strike on Dnipropetrovsk: 12 killed, over 60 wounded

On 1 June, the Russian army launched a missile strike on a Ukrainian Ground Forces training unit in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, according to Ukraine’s Ground Forces command. As of 12:50, 12 servicemen were confirmed dead and over 60 wounded.

The Ground Forces stated:

“No formations or mass gatherings of personnel were taking place. After the air raid alert was announced, most of the personnel were in shelters.” 

Commander of Ukraine’s Ground Forces, General Mykhailo Drapatyi, announced his resignation:

“As commander, I failed to ensure full execution of my orders. I didn’t push hard enough, didn’t convince, didn’t change attitudes. That’s my responsibility.”

Ukrainian Ground Forces commander quits after training base attack kills 12 and injures 60 troops

Ground Forces spokesperson Vitalii Sarantsev told Suspilne the preliminary weapon used was an Iskander missile. He emphasized that any officials found guilty, regardless of past service, will be held accountable.

A Russian intercept of a Ukrainian drone’s video feed has revealed how Ukrainian FPV kamikaze drones use smart terminal guidance systems that enable automatic target engagement, even when the signal is disrupted.

According to Defense Express, footage from a Ukrainian FPV drone—its video signal reportedly intercepted by Russian forces—shows the sequence of how a drone with a target confirmation system functions under battlefield conditions.

The intercepted video was published by NIP Tysk Telegram channel.

FPV kamikaze drones now use smart guidance

Russians intercepted the video signal of a Ukrainian FPV drone showing key tech in action:

– RXLOSS mode kicks in when signal is blocked.
– RCSMOOTHING helps stabilize pilot input.
– A menu guides the operator as the drone locks onto… pic.twitter.com/7GqPIhrliF

— Clash Report (@clashreport) May 29, 2025

The drone enters RXLOSS (signal loss) mode multiple times early in the footage, indicating moments where the communication link between the aircraft and operator was blocked or degraded. The signal loss condition in FPV systems can often occur under electronic warfare (EW) interference.

At the 46-second mark, the screen displays RCSMOOTHING, a function that supports stabilization of operator control inputs. At 56 seconds, the interface presents a menu with guidance prompts and a status message indicating that the drone is awaiting target confirmation.

Forbes: Ukrainian AI drones claim 80% hit rate—yet human pilots remain superior

By 1:02, the drone locks on to a target, and the on-screen message changes from “Aim” to “Attacking.” At this stage, the drone autonomously flies toward the locked point, initiating a strike without further input from the operator.

Alternative to fiber-optic drones in EW-heavy conditions

Defense Express notes that these FPV drones equipped with confirmation and guidance systems are emerging as an alternative to fiber-optic-controlled drones, particularly in environments saturated with electronic warfare.

Unlike fiber-optic drones—which become inoperable if their cable is cut—these drones can operate wirelessly and carry heavier payloads. Their ability to continue a strike mission after signal degradation gives them tactical resilience, especially during the final approach to a target.

However, the system also has limitations. It still requires manual piloting to reach a viable launch point before autonomous engagement can begin. If the drone loses connection too early, the mission may fail before the auto-strike phase can activate.

Additionally, as Defense Express reports, the system currently lacks the ability to precisely target specific weak points on vehicles or fortifications, which can be critical for successful destruction of armored vehicles and hardened assets.

Ukrainian drones hit Russian military train with fuel in occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast (video)

Ukraine’s Patrol Police Khyzhak (“Predator”) Brigade successfully demonstrated the destruction of Russian FPV drone ambushes using their own advanced drone systems, Militarnyi reported on 25 May. The unit released video footage showing how Ukrainian FPV drones identified and eliminated Russian fiber-optic-controlled UAVs positioned to ambush Ukrainian military vehicles.

According to the brigade’s press service, Russian drones were hidden along travel routes and set in standby mode, waiting to strike Ukrainian targets. Ukrainian FPV drones were deployed to locate and destroy these devices. The video also shows the use of bomber-type drones dropping munitions on enemy assets.

Constant airspace monitoring and demining

The Brigade stated:

“In addition to the direct destruction of occupiers, we constantly have to monitor the airspace in our zone of responsibility and work on remote demining of roads.”

The Russian use of fiber-optic-controlled drones, designed to evade radio-electronic reconnaissance and electronic warfare systems, poses a severe danger to Ukrainian troops, even deep behind the frontlines.

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Ukrainian long-range fiber-optic drone development

To achieve parity, the Ukrainian Defense Forces are actively developing their own fiber-optic-controlled UAVs. In April, over 15 Ukrainian UAV manufacturers tested their systems, completing obstacle-filled routes over 20 km while simulating combat conditions. The results showed a significant breakthrough: previous Ukrainian drones were limited to a range of 5–10 km, but the new systems can engage targets well beyond 20 km.