Kyiv’s Drone War Punches Holes in Russia’s Air Defense Shield – Der Spiegel

Ukraine has intensified drone strikes on Russian air defenses, reportedly doubling destroyed systems compared to late 2025. The attacks are weakening frontline logistics and exposing Russia’s rear infrastructure, while deep strikes hit refineries and industry. Analysts say expanding gaps in air defense are slowing Russian advances and stretching defensive coverage. Make us preferred on Google Flip Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied A screenshot from a video showing the Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine striking Russian military targets in the temporarily occupied territories of the Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Luhansk regions. (Photo by Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces Robert “Madyar” Brovdi/Facebook) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Ukraine has escalated its campaign against Russian air defense systems, using expanding drone production and more advanced strike technologies to destroy twice as many air defense assets and radars in April compared to October 2025. According to Der Spiegel , citing WarSpotting data, Ukrainian forces destroyed 37 Russian air defense systems, radar units, and electronic warfare assets between March and May 10 – more than double the 16 recorded in autumn 2025. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . The strikes are increasingly focused on medium-range targets within 200 kilometers of the front line, where drones are reportedly knocking out systems such as Tor and Buk, and in some cases more advanced S-300 platforms. These attacks are creating widening “gaps” in Russia’s air defense network that are affecting both battlefield logistics and rear infrastructure. Der Spiegel reports that around 600 drone strikes were carried out on Russian-occupied territory between January and April, with particularly heavy pressure in the south, where shorter distances to supply routes – in some cases just 90 kilometers – put Russian logistics lines and Crimea-linked supply corridors at risk. The report also cites Russian Defense Ministry figures, published via state media, claiming more than 11,000 drones were intercepted over Russia in March alone – roughly double February’s total – though it did not specify how many reached their targets. Other Topics of Interest Ukraine Downs 90% of Russian Drones, Fedorov Says Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said Ukraine currently intercepts around 90% of Russian drones and nearly 80% of cruise missiles despite a sharp increase in attacks on energy infrastructure. Fedorov made the remarks during a visit by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius to Kyiv, where officials showcased Ukraine’s air defense systems and anti-drone technologies. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) says the increasing intensity of Ukrainian drone operations has coincided with a slowdown in Russian battlefield advances since late 2025, alongside repeated complaints from Russian military bloggers about shortages of air defense missiles. Beyond the front line, Ukrainian drones have also struck deep into Russian territory, targeting oil refineries and industrial sites. Der Spiegel reports 23 attacks on oil facilities and 20 on industrial and agricultural targets in April and May alone. Among the sites hit were facilities in Russia’s Perm region, around 1,500 kilometers from Ukraine’s border, including a Lukoil-linked refinery and a Transneft pumping station, both of which reportedly burned for days. Industry sources told Reuters that the Permnefteorgsintez refinery halted operations due to fire damage, with repairs expected to take weeks. Analysts cited in the report argue that even a significant expansion of Russian air defenses would struggle to cover the country’s vast territory, spanning 11 time zones and thousands of critical military and energy sites. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.