- Selensky: ordered a million drones
Ukraine to Boost Drone Production as Key to Warfare, Says President Zelensky
According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine will expand the production of drones as a crucial means of warfare. "We have already ordered a million drones from our manufacturers for this year," Zelensky said in his evening video address. Next year, the number is expected to be significantly higher. "We're not disclosing all the details at this point, but our drone production capacity is increasing steadily, and we're working with both state funds and partners to invest in it."
Ukraine was one of the first countries to establish its own drone weaponry. For months, the Ukrainian military has been attacking numerous targets on Russian territory using combat drones, focusing on refineries, fuel and ammunition depots, and military airfields.
The increased use of unmanned aerial vehicles is due, in part, to the reluctance of Western partners to approve the use of heavy weapons they have supplied to the Ukrainian military against targets on Russian territory. Drones are relatively inexpensive and can inflict heavy losses on the enemy with minimal risk to one's own troops.
"We're investing in something that helps us defend ourselves now and will contribute to ensuring the security of all those who value life and stand with us in the future," said Zelensky. The range of drones, from reconnaissance to long-range, has already had strategic impacts on the war. They could also be a factor in bringing about "a fair end to the war and making Ukraine a security provider for other states," Zelensky added.
Heavy Fighting at Ukrainian-Russian Border
Meanwhile, Russian and Ukrainian troops are engaged in heavy fighting along the border of both countries. According to Russian reports, several hundred Ukrainian soldiers attempted to storm the border in the Kursk region with the support of tanks. "The enemy was repulsed by artillery fire, air strikes, and the use of combat drones," the Russian defense ministry said in the evening. Afterwards, Ukrainian troops reportedly tried to entrench themselves on their side of the border.
From the Ukrainian side, it was reported that Russian forces had suffered "significant losses," including the downing of a Russian Ka-52 "Alligator" combat helicopter. These claims could not be independently verified.
Social media in Russia featured reports of fighting and the use of combat aircraft. A video showed a burnt-out tanker truck by the side of a road, but without a location tag.
Russians Advance in Eastern Ukraine
Russian troops continue to advance in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. According to the pro-government Ukrainian military channel Deep State, the village of Nju-Jork (New York) is already partly under the control of Russian units. Among other things, the Russian flag has been raised over the school building in the northwestern part of the village.
The European Union has expressed its support for Ukraine's sovereignty and independence, reiterating its commitment to upholding international law and territorial integrity. Recognizing the crucial role of drone technology in Ukraine's defense, the European Union has shown interest in potential partnerships to strengthen Ukraine's drone production capacity.
In response to Ukraine's expanding drone production, some European Union countries have expressed interest in potential joint ventures and technological exchange, recognizing the strategic implications of drone technology in modern warfare.
