Ukraine Surpasses Russia in Use of Strike Drones by 30%
Ukraine’s Defense Forces are currently demonstrating a significant advantage over Russia in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles on the battlefield.
This was stated by Deputy Head of the Presidential Office, Brigadier General Pavlo Palisa, who noted that the ratio of strike drone usage now stands at 1.3 to 1 in favor of Ukraine.
The situation has changed markedly compared to the first half of last year, when Ukraine lagged behind Russia. At that time, a shortage of FPV drones negatively affected the Armed Forces’ ability to contain the advance of Russian troops.
However, Ukrainian forces are now deploying 30% more strike assets (front-strike), enabling them to more effectively destroy enemy equipment and manpower.
The general also highlighted the growing role of advanced technologies, particularly fiber-optic drones. Despite procurement and logistical challenges, Ukraine has integrated these systems into its arsenal more actively than Russia.
Fiber-optic drones now account for 32% of Ukraine’s total strike UAV fleet, compared to 24% on the Russian side.
Palisa emphasized that success depends not only on quantity but also on technological competition.
‘’It’s not just about numbers, but also quality. We must be honest — the quality is comparable to the enemy’s, as they are also improving their systems, but we have made a very significant leap,” he said.
The brigadier general also acknowledged that Russia has attempted to gain an advantage in the so-called “low-altitude battlespace,” particularly during counteroffensive operations, including in the Kursk direction.
Russian forces actively use fiber-optic drones to counter electronic warfare systems. However, the rapid response of Ukraine’s defense industry has allowed it to scale up its own projects and shift the balance.
Separately, an unidentified drone struck a tax office building in Chernihiv region.
Russian forces also attacked 23 settlements in Sumy region.
On the morning of April 7, Russian troops carried out a targeted attack against civilians in the city of Nikopol, Dnipropetrovsk region.
In addition, Russian forces continue to strike infrastructure facilities in Kryvyi Rih. Explosions have been reported in the city, while Ukraine’s Air Force warned of incoming drones.
In Kharkiv region, Russian troops are reportedly using cumulative-fragmentation munitions, which pose a particular threat to civilians.
