The pro-Russian channel “Tactical 13” wrote that “balloons” carrying “fast drones” were shot down over the city. The balloons were supposed to fly at an altitude of “from 5,000 to 7,000 m” and release their kamikaze drones only above the target zone. This time the drones were “shot down over the city.” The “khpkrym” channel also reported on this “new tactic” of Ukraine.
A few days ago, a video partially generated by artificial intelligence showing such balloon drones from Kettle Tech Labs appeared on social media. It shows the Ukrainian “Hornet drone”, which is launched from a balloon from a height of about 8 km. Ukrainian sources claim that by combining balloon transport and taking off from a high altitude, the drone's range can increase from about 150 to even 300 km.
To put it simply, this method works as follows: the balloons first lift the drone to a height of several thousand meters. meters, while bringing it closer to the target. The drone uses almost no battery. Only above the target region does the drone disconnect, start its engine and initially can even cover the distance in gliding flight.
The article continues below the video
Nearly half a million Russian soldiers killed
The new method could enable Ukraine to attack even more Russian targets much further behind the front lines. Pro-Russian military blogger “Rybar” recently warned about growing problems with Russian logistics in the south. In Crimea there is even a risk of “shortage of some goods”. Russian troops in the south rely heavily on road and rail connections for ammunition, fuel and reinforcements.
If these connections are permanently disrupted, it will make it difficult to conduct Russian operations on the front. As a result, even more Russian soldiers will die. Already, the head of the British intelligence agency GCHQ, Anne Keast-Butler, says by almost half a million dead Russian soldiers since the beginning of the full invasion.
Ukraine's new strategy is devastating the Russians
In the spring of 2026, Ukraine significantly intensified its drone strike campaign on Russian territory, focusing on refineries, ports and military infrastructure. As described by “The Wall Street Journal”, the key change was the shift from single attacks to systematic “opening corridors” through destroying Russian air defense in occupied territories and border regions, in what the newspaper described as “probably the most important change in the course of hostilities this spring.”
The core of the new strategy are medium-range drones (approx. 30-200 km), which fill the gap between frontal attacks and long-range strikes. According to an analysis by the Atlantic Council and data from the Ukrainian Ministry of National Defense, since March 2026, the neutralization of over 80 Russian air defense systems and radars has been confirmed, which is gradually thinning the defense umbrella and enabling further raids deep into the enemy's rear.
The effects are visible in a series of attacks on energy and port infrastructure, including: terminals in Kuban, refineries in Yaroslavl and Perm, and gas processing plants on the Volga. “Kyiv Independent” emphasizes that the parallel destruction of radars and air defense launchers is significant reduces Russia's ability to respond to airstrikesforcing it to spread its defenses over a huge area.
Analysts point out that there will be no breakthrough in the war due to drone attacks alone, but the new strategy changes its dynamics: it increases Russia's logistics costs, increases pressure on its industrial base and shifts the burden of action from the front line to the enemy's operational depth.
Volodymyr Zelensky announces attacks in Russia
After talks with the military command, the President of Ukraine announced new counterattacks deep inside Russia. This is necessary to make Moscow clear that it will have to pay for its aggressive war against Ukraine with its own losses, Zelensky said in his evening video message released in Kiev.
According to reports Facilities belonging to the Russian oil industry are particularly at risk. Kiev seeks to limit Moscow's income from energy exports, which are key to financing its war economy.
Kiev has been proudly posting videos and photos of attacks in Russia on social media for weeks. These attacks repeatedly result in death and injury to civilians, as well as destruction or damage to civilian targets. In connection with Russia announced retaliatory attacks on key decision-making bodies in Kievin particular military command centers.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
