**The Silent War: Ukraine’s Secret Drone Strikes Against Russia**
In the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, a new front has opened up – one that is as much about morale and information as it is about military might. The aerial war between the two nations has become a complex game of cat and mouse, with each side trying to outdo the other in terms of public statements, dramatic videos, and deep strikes.
For Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR), one of the key players in this silent war is Brigadier General Yuriy Shchyhol. In an interview with the Kyiv Independent, Shchyhol revealed that Russia’s censorship machine has made it easier for them to hide their own successes while exaggerating Ukrainian losses.
“They hide whatever successful strikes that they can,” Shchyhol said. “While practically all of their hits on us are known, you have to add up our known successful strikes and multiply by 3-4 times to get the real number.” This calculation is based on his understanding of Russia’s propaganda efforts and the fact that Ukraine often doesn’t publicly acknowledge its own successes.
**The Rise of Ukrainian Drones**
Shchyhol also spoke about the significant advancements made by Ukraine in terms of drone technology. Since the start of the conflict, Ukraine has developed a range of locally-made drones, including the “Vampires,” “Nemesis,” and “Kashans.” These drones are designed for deep strikes, surveillance, and night raids, and have proven to be highly effective against Russian forces.
In contrast to 2022 when Ukrainian soldiers were primarily interested in consumer-grade DJI quadcopters (popularly known as Mavics), today’s Ukrainian military has access to a wide range of advanced, locally-made drones. Shchyhol attributed this shift to the increased availability and affordability of drone technology, which has been facilitated by international donations.
**Corruption Allegations**
However, not everyone is pleased with the way Ukraine’s drone program has developed. In December, Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers stripped Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov of his semi-formal authority over the State Special Communications Service (SSCS), which handles Ukraine’s drone-buying efforts. The move was seen by many as a power struggle between Fedorov and Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office.
Additionally, Shchyhol himself faced allegations of corruption related to a major drone purchase in 2022. He denied these claims, arguing that the inflated pricing for high-end Chinese Autel drones was necessary due to their unavailability on the market at the time.
**The Unstoppable Force**
Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding Ukraine’s drone program, one thing is clear – the Ukrainian people are determined to resist Russian aggression in any way they can. As Kollen Post, author of this article, notes: “Ukrainians’ responses to Russia’s invasion showcase a society that is deeply resilient and inventive.”
In this silent war between Ukraine and Russia, it seems that no amount of air defense can protect all of Russia from the relentless barrage of Ukrainian drones. Will Russia be able to keep up with this new front in the conflict? Only time will tell.
**Kyiv Independent**
This article was written by Kollen Post, defense industry reporter at the Kyiv Independent. The Kyiv Independent is a member-supported publication that covers news and stories from Ukraine. Support their work by becoming a member today!
