Russia launched about 5,500 one-way attack drones at Ukrainian targets in September, a “significant” increase from the 4,410 launched in August, likely due to Moscow’s attempts to demonstrate a willingness to take part in meaningful negotiations with Kyiv, according to a British military analysis.
Russian forces have launched more than 3,000 drones in October, U.K. officials said.
The Kremlin is maintaining a high operational tempo against Ukraine and has conducted at least four large-scale strike missions in September using its long-range bomber fleet. Russian forces fired more than 800 munitions at Ukraine on Sept. 7, most of which were drones, British intelligence officials posted Tuesday on X in their latest assessment of the battlefield.
Russia launched more than 70 of its top-of-the-line AS-23a Kodiak cruise missiles in September.
“This combination of premier missiles alongside mass [drones] attempts to complicate Ukrainian air defense efforts and increase the survivability of Russian munitions,” British officials posted on X.
Ukraine’s critical national infrastructure has almost certainly become Russia’s priority target. Russia has launched at least four large-scale strikes in October. Moscow is likely attempting to degrade Kyiv’s energy network ahead of winter, as it has done in the past, British officials said.
