Ukraine Retakes 78 Square Miles With Drones, Reversing Russian Momentum
Updated
Updated · Council on Foreign Relations · Jun 12
Ukraine Retakes 78 Square Miles With Drones, Reversing Russian Momentum
3 articles · Updated · Council on Foreign Relations · Jun 12
Summary
Ukraine retook 78 square miles in five days in February and has kept advancing in its fifth spring offensive, marking a reversal after Russia’s gains through 2025.
75% to 85% of frontline casualties now come from drones, and Ukraine’s newer systems strike 30 to 100 kilometers behind the front, hitting logistics, radar and electronic-warfare sites that disrupt Russian command and supply lines.
Under-$10,000 drones, fiber-optic guidance, autonomy and AI have helped Ukraine blunt jamming and keep attacks going even when GPS or operator links are cut.
4 million robotic and autonomous systems were produced by Ukraine in 2025, with 5 million to 6 million expected in 2026; Kyiv says capacity could reach 20 million drones annually if allies provide funding.
A €90 billion EU loan package being finalized includes €6 billion for drones, support that could widen Ukraine’s narrow window to sustain defense pressure on Russia by air and at sea.