Russia Selenskyj: Have ordered one million drones
According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, Ukraine wants to expand the production of drones as an important means of warfare.
07.08.2024, 05:08
07.08.2024, 05:09
SDA
"One million drones have already been ordered from our manufacturers for this year," said Zelenskyi in his evening video address. There should be significantly more next year. "We are not disclosing all the details at this stage, but our drone production capacity is steadily increasing and we are working not only with state funds but also with partners to invest in our drone production."
Ukraine was one of the first countries ever to create its own drone weaponry. For months, the Ukrainian military has been attacking numerous targets on Russian territory with combat drones. Refineries, fuel and ammunition depots and military airfields are the preferred targets.
One reason for the increased use of unmanned aerial vehicles is the refusal of Western partners to authorize the Ukrainian military to use the heavy weapons they have supplied against targets on Russian territory. Furthermore, drones are comparatively cheap and can inflict heavy losses on the enemy with little risk to their own troops.
"We are investing in something that will help us defend ourselves now - and that will help ensure the safety of all those who value life and who now stand side by side with us in the future," said Selensky. The wide range of drones, from reconnaissance drones to long-range drones, are already having a strategic impact on the war. Moreover, they could be a factor "that not only brings about a just end to the war, but also makes Ukraine a security provider for other states," said Selenskyj.
Heavy fighting on the Ukrainian-Russian border
Meanwhile, Russian and Ukrainian troops are engaged in heavy fighting on the border between the two countries. According to Russian reports, several hundred Ukrainian soldiers attempted to storm across the border in the Kursk region with the support of tanks. "The enemy was repulsed by artillery fire, air strikes and the use of combat drones," the Ministry of Defense in Moscow announced in the evening. The Ukrainian troops then attempted to establish themselves on their side of the border.
The Ukrainian side reported that the Russian armed forces had suffered "significant losses". Among other things, a Russian Ka-52 "Alligator" combat helicopter had been shot down. The information provided by the two warring parties could not be independently verified.
Reports of fighting and the use of fighter jets circulated on social media in Russia. A video recording showed a burnt-out tanker truck on the side of a road, although no location was given.
Russians continue to advance in eastern Ukraine
Meanwhile, Russian troops continued to advance in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. As the pro-government Ukrainian military channel Deep State reported, the village of Nju-Jork (New York) is already partly under the control of Russian units. Among other things, the Russian flag has already been raised over the school building in the north-western part of the village.
