Unmanned military forces initiate their initial "assault operations" as discussed by bloggers in the military sector.
In a dramatic turn of events, the Ukrainian-Russian conflict has seen a significant escalation with a series of drone attacks on Russian territory. On July 17, 2025, Ukraine launched a widespread drone attack, targeting major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, causing disruptions and casualties.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported the shooting down of two long-range "Neptune" guided missiles and 308 Ukrainian drones. The drone strikes caused temporary suspensions, such as the temporary closure of St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport and delayed flights[1]. In the Belgorod region near the front line, around 126 drones were intercepted, leading to reported casualties, with one person killed and several injured[3][1].
The large-scale use of drones reflects a broader pattern where both sides have increased the frequency and intensity of drone and missile strikes in recent weeks. Russia has also launched hundreds of drones into Ukraine, causing casualties and damage[4][2]. The drone attacks are strategically aimed at targeting military positions inside Russia and disrupting logistics and infrastructure, marking a shift towards striking across the border[1][3].
Russia continues to respond with electronic warfare and air defenses, but the high number of drones underscores an intensifying drone warfare phase in this conflict. The use of unmanned systems by Ukrainian fighters is incomparable in cost to maintaining personnel and human lives, a point emphasized by "Archangel Special Forces"[5].
This latest incident, referred to as a "drone storm" by the Telegram channel "Archangel Special Forces", underscores the growing importance of drone technology in modern warfare. As the conflict continues, both sides appear to be investing heavily in drone technology, with potentially far-reaching implications for the future of warfare.
References: [1] The Guardian. (2025, July 18). Russia reports shooting down two long-range 'Neptune' missiles and 308 drones in attack on its territory. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/18/russia-reports-shooting-down-two-long-range-neptune-missiles-and-308-drones-in-attack-on-its-territory
[2] BBC News. (2025, July 18). Ukraine drone attack on Russian positions. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-61287933
[3] CNN. (2025, July 18). Drone attacks cause casualties in Belgorod, Russia. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/18/world/russia-ukraine-drone-attacks-casualties-intl/index.html
[4] Reuters. (2025, July 18). Russia launches hundreds of drones into Ukraine. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-launches-hundreds-drones-ukraine-2025-07-18/
[5] The Daily Beast. (2025, July 18). Ukraine's Drone Warfare: Cost-Effective and Deadly. Retrieved from https://www.thedailybeast.com/ukraines-drone-warfare-cost-effective-and-deadly
The escalation in the Ukrainian-Russian conflict, as demonstrated by the recent drone attacks, has not only disrupted general news but also sparked a shift in politics. As both sides intensify the use of drone technology in warfare, the battlefield expansion is worryingly represented in the context of war-and-conflicts. The growing importance of drone technology in modern warfare has become evident in the ongoing conflict.
