Ukraine Emerges as Drone Power, Striking 2 Russian Capitals After 2022 Invasion
Updated
Updated · Atlantic Council · Jun 24
Ukraine Emerges as Drone Power, Striking 2 Russian Capitals After 2022 Invasion
3 articles · Updated · Atlantic Council · Jun 24
Summary
Ukraine is now widely seen as a major military power after building a force that can hit targets deep inside Russia, including recent drone strikes on Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Since 2022, Kyiv has turned wartime pressure into rapid military innovation, becoming a world leader in drone warfare after expanding from just a few thousand combat-ready troops in 2014.
That shift has reversed one of Vladimir Putin’s core war aims: instead of demilitarizing Ukraine, Russia’s invasion has produced a heavily armed, technologically advanced hostile neighbor.
NATO countries are already seeking Ukrainian drone expertise and joint production, while European governments increasingly view Ukraine as a key security asset as the US signals a smaller transatlantic role.
Has Ukraine's drone revolution rendered traditional military doctrines obsolete, forcing a complete rethink of modern warfare?
As America's security role diminishes, is Ukraine's battle-hardened army now the indispensable key to Europe's defense?
Putin's war created a military powerhouse on his border. Can his regime survive this spectacular strategic failure?
Ukraine’s Drone Campaign Escalates in June 2026: Striking Russia’s Heartland and Shifting the War’s Balance
Overview
In June 2026, Ukraine escalated its drone campaign by launching extensive attacks deep into Russia’s heartland, including Moscow and St. Petersburg. These strikes targeted key refineries and military facilities, directly challenging Russia’s sense of security and exposing its civilian population to the realities of war. As a result, the Kremlin faces mounting military, economic, and psychological pressures, making it harder to maintain the illusion that Russians are insulated from the conflict. The campaign’s primary aim is to cut Moscow’s war revenue and force ordinary Russians to confront the consequences of their country’s actions.