Ukraine's specialist drone units conduct nightly attacks using FP-2 drones and other systems to disrupt Russian logistics and infrastructure, with operations scaling from one mission weekly to ten or more. Russia has upgraded its drone arsenal with jet-powered Geran-4 and Geran-5 models that fly at 300-600 km/h, faster than Ukrainian air defenses can intercept, shifting the balance of the aerial conflict.
Ukraine and Russia escalate drone war as long-range strikes reshape conflict
Civilian casualties in Ukraine reached 2,222 killed in the first eight months of 2026; a September attack on Kyiv killed 2 and injured 41; an August ammunition dump strike killed 38 and destroyed homes.