Russian forces suffer heavy losses from drone strikes in Ukraine

The situation on the Ukrainian frontline is becoming progressively difficult for Russia. Heavy losses in both personnel and equipment are forcing the Kremlin to take increasingly desperate measures. Shifting reserves and relying on outdated technologies may not suffice to turn the tide of the conflict.

Russian forces are currently just 6 miles from Pokrovsk, one of the most critical logistical points for the eastern front. According to "Forbes", citing analysts tracking equipment losses, the Russians lost nearly 200 pieces of equipment in one day.

Last weekend, the Russians experienced the bloodiest 24 hours in the ongoing 30-month war in Ukraine. On Sunday, independent analyst Andrew Perpetua counted over 180 destroyed, damaged, and abandoned Russian vehicles. Ukrainian losses were significantly smaller: around 36 vehicles.

FPV drones caused most Russian losses. These are unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with cameras that provide live, real-time footage until they strike the target. They are usually small commercial drones suitably modified for military purposes.

Both Ukrainians and Russians attach explosive charges, grenades, or bombs to the FPV drones.

In the first case, the unmanned aerial vehicle operates as a kamikaze weapon, while in the second case, it is used to drop grenades and bombs on enemy equipment. The Ukrainians have already demonstrated that such drones can easily carry, for example, RKG-3 anti-tank grenades or PTAB-2.5M bomblets.

For many months, Russia has been waging a war of attrition, so the enormous losses of Vladimir Putin's army are not surprising. Practically every day, the Russians lose over 1,000 of their personnel, both in terms of soldiers killed and seriously wounded.