Ukrainian forces have achieved significant gains in the Kursk region, thanks to the crucial role played by drones, according to The Times, which cites Ukrainian soldiers involved in the operation.
The recent Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region, which has seen hundreds of square miles of Russian territory captured, has been largely facilitated by the use of drones, such as the British-made “Phantom.” These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been instrumental in providing critical reconnaissance, pinpointing exactly where and when ground assaults would be most effective.
The Times reports that drones played a key role in delivering crucial intelligence, which enabled the precise targeting of artillery systems like the HIMARS, resulting in the destruction of all three bridges across the Seim River. This has hindered Russian forces’ ability to maneuver and reinforce their positions, allowing Ukrainian armored units to advance into the occupied territory.
Additionally, the deployment of intercepting drones was instrumental in neutralizing Russian electronic warfare capabilities, while dive-bombing drones successfully targeted heavy weaponry. This cleared the way for Ukrainian ground forces to break through enemy defenses and secure an enclave that could prove advantageous in future territorial negotiations for Ukraine.
The capture of Russian conscripts has also created significant problems for Russian leadership. The plight of these conscripts has sparked considerable public outcry, with their mothers—an influential political force in past conflicts—demanding their release. This has put additional pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate their return.
As Ukrainian commander Ivan told The Times, “These conscripts are truly valuable. Their mothers are crying for them, and Putin really wants them back. There are rumors that next time we might get three of our soldiers back for one of theirs.”