Last night, Ukraine was attacked with 145 Russian drones, which is a record, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced in a publication on the “X” network, quoted by France Press and BTA.
In a statement, the Ukrainian Air Force announced this morning that 62 of those 145 drones had been destroyed over 13 regions of the country.
The Ukrainian Air Force noted that the number of drones in last night’s attack surpassed the previous “record” of 135 drones on October 18. They specified that 67 drones disappeared from radars, and others entered the airspace of Ukraine’s neighbors Belarus and Moldova, DPA said.
The Black Sea city of Odessa was the worst hit, where homes, shops, cars and garages were damaged, Ukrainian authorities said. Injuries were also reported, without providing details.
Earlier today, a BTA correspondent in Odessa reported that two people were injured in the night drone attack and are in hospital. The correspondent referred to a publication by the chairman of the Odesa regional military administration, Oleg Kiper, in the Telegram application.
At the same time, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that early today it repelled 70 attacks by Ukrainian drones, 34 of which were detected in the Moscow region. A woman suffered burns after debris from a downed drone fell on her house. After being closed for several hours, the main Moscow airports are working again, DPA adds.
Interview between Time.news Editor (Eliot) and Drone Warfare Expert (Dr. Sarah Novak)
Eliot: Good morning, Dr. Novak. Thank you for joining us today. The news from Ukraine has been startling, particularly the recent attack involving 145 Russian drones. How significant is this incident in the context of drone warfare?
Dr. Novak: Good morning, Eliot. Thank you for having me. This attack is indeed significant—not just because of the sheer number of drones deployed, but also because it symbolizes a major escalation in drone warfare tactics. Historically, we’ve seen drone use in conflict, but this kind of coordinated, large-scale attack presents new challenges for air defense systems and indicates that both sides are evolving their strategies.
Eliot: You mentioned air defense systems. How well-equipped is Ukraine to handle such a large-scale drone assault?
Dr. Novak: Ukraine has made strides in improving its air defense capabilities since the onset of the conflict, including the use of Western-supplied systems. However, facing 145 drones simultaneously is a monumental challenge. It requires not just advanced technology but also significant real-time intelligence and a well-coordinated response. They must prioritize which threats to intercept while managing their limited resources effectively.
Eliot: With drones becoming a more common tool in warfare, what implications does this have for civilian populations, especially given that many of these drones can be used for surveillance or even carry explosives?
Dr. Novak: The implications for civilian safety are considerable. Drones are inherently less expensive to deploy than traditional air strikes, which means we could see an increase in their use. The risk of collateral damage rises, and the psychological impact on civilians is also notable. People living in conflict zones face not just the danger of drones, but the constant anxiety of potential strikes or surveillance. It changes the nature of conflict engagement and civilian life dramatically.
Eliot: That leads into a broader conversation about the ethics of drone warfare. Are there significant concerns regarding the use of drones that you think policymakers need to address?
Dr. Novak: Absolutely. Ethical implications abound, particularly regarding accountability. Drones can be operated remotely, which might distance operators from the immediate consequences of their actions. This detachment can lead to less stringent rules of engagement. Moreover, the proliferation of drone technology raises concerns about non-state actors gaining access to such tactics, which further complicates the landscape of warfare and international security.
Eliot: As we move forward, what should we be watching for in terms of developments in drone warfare, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine?
Dr. Novak: I believe we should monitor not only advances in technology—such as AI integration into drone operations—but also international responses. Countries may begin to adopt stricter regulations regarding drone use to prevent escalation. Additionally, the psychological and operational tactics employed by both sides will be crucial, as they adapt to the increased role drones play on the battlefield.
Eliot: Thank you, Dr. Novak, for your insights today. It’s clear that the landscape of warfare is rapidly changing, and your expertise helps illuminate the complexities involved.
Dr. Novak: Thank you, Eliot. It’s an important topic, and I’m glad to discuss it. We need to continue the conversation as the implications unfold.
Eliot: We definitely will. Thank you for joining us today, and we’ll keep a close eye on the developments in Ukraine and drone warfare in general.