March 9, 2025

Ukraine Drone Strikes: A Bloody New Front 💥

Senior Associate Copy Editor037 mins
Ukraine's drone war escalates! Silicon & steel clash. Deep strikes into Russia. Evolving tactics, high human cost. See the chilling drone footage. Learn more now!

The whir of rotors, the whine of approaching death delivered from the sky. These are the sounds of a new kind of war, a war fought with silicon and circuits as much as with steel and blood. From kamikaze drones hunted down by helicopters to robot dogs dropped on enemy positions, Ukraine’s innovative use of drone technology is reshaping the battlefield. The videos below offer a chilling, close-up view of this evolving conflict, documenting the devastating impact of drone strikes and the evolving tactics employed by both sides. They raise crucial questions: How effective are these drone offensives? What are the human costs? And how will this technology continue to transform the future of warfare?

Key Takeaways: Drone Warfare in Ukraine

The Drone’s Shadow: Future of Warfare in Ukraine

The conflict in Ukraine is serving as a grim testing ground for the future of warfare. The widespread use of drones, from inexpensive commercial models modified for combat to sophisticated military-grade systems, is accelerating a paradigm shift in military doctrine. The effectiveness of Ukrainian drone strikes against Russian targets, combined with the increasing accessibility and adaptability of this technology, suggests that drone warfare will only become more prevalent and sophisticated in future conflicts. The ethical implications, particularly regarding civilian casualties and the blurring lines between human and automated warfare, demand urgent international attention.

See the War Unfold: Drone Footage Highlights

Scroll down to watch the curated video collection and witness firsthand the raw power and devastating impact of drone warfare in Ukraine. These videos offer a visceral glimpse into the changing nature of conflict and the human stories unfolding amidst the chaos. Understanding this new front is critical to comprehending the current war in Ukraine and the future of global conflict.

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28 Dec: Storm Shadows UNLEASHED. Russian WAR MACHINE CRIPPLED. | War in Ukraine Explained Reporting from Ukraine
529,951 views | 30,882 | December 28 2024 19:00:28 (795 comments)[ Read more … ] 🔴 Support our Channel Today and Get a 40% Christmas Discount on Exclusive Videos: https://www.rfunews.com/christmas-sale

Today there is a lot of news from the Russian Federation.

Here, Ukrainians launched a bold and coordinated campaign of long-range strikes targeting critical infrastructure in Russia’s Rostov, Krasnodar, and Chechnya regions. By crippling airbases, ammunition depots, and logistical hubs supporting the Donbas offensive, these strikes delivered a significant blow to the Russian Pokrovsk and Kurakhove offensive operations.

The latest development occurred when Ukrainian forces launched a massive drone strike against the Millerovo airbase in Russia’s Rostov region. This high-profile attack, involving 15 drones, showcased Ukraine’s growing capability to target not only deep into Russian territory but also aiming at objects that are known to be severely guarded by air defense. While Russian sources claimed no personnel or equipment losses and released footage of their alleged repulse of the attack, the same images were later used by military analysts to geolocate the approximate point of the strike.

A technical and operational facility that performs maintenance and routine repairs on aircraft based at the airfield is located in the designated area. The Russian 31st Fighter Aviation Regiment of the Aerospace Forces, equipped with Su-30SM and Su-35 fighter jets, is stationed at the Millerovo airbase. Tactical aviation takes off from the base to participate in combat operations against Ukraine. Hence, the attack aims to directly disrupt the air support for the Russian troops in Donbas which will benefit Ukrainian forces. The second major strike focused on an ammunition depot near Novocherkassk, also in Rostov Oblast, reportedly used by Russia’s 150th Motorized Rifle Division. The December 22 attack destroyed a substantial munitions stockpile, significantly reducing Russian firepower in frontline operations. The destruction of this depot also complicates resupply efforts, further straining Russian logistics that are already in a vulnerable position.

The third target of Ukraine’s recent strikes was the Novoshakhtinsk Oil Refinery, a critical facility in Rostov Oblast that supplies fuel to Russian military operations. On December 18, a coordinated drone and missile assault caused significant damage, igniting a fire at the catalytic cracking unit. This refinery, processing 7.5 million tons of oil annually, is now fully offline, cutting off a vital source of fuel for Russian forces and dealing a logistical blow to their war effort.

Another critical target was the Kamensky Chemical Plant, hit by a Storm Shadow missile strike several days ago. This facility produces rocket fuel, explosives, and ammunition components essential to Russia’s wartime production. The attack caused severe damage to key buildings, disrupting the supply of crucial materials for Russian missile systems and ammunition. The strike also demonstrated Ukraine’s precision capabilities, marking one of the boldest uses of Western-provided long-range missiles on Russian territory despite initial claims that they are only allowed to be used in the Kursk region.

These attacks also highlight the evolving strategy of combining drones and precision-guided missiles to target a diverse range of critical infrastructure. Drones are often used to initially offload Russian air defense and make the decision-making process for its operators as hard as possible. Then it is easier to use the benefits of the more expensive missiles to cause significant damage with pinpoint accuracy.

Another significant Ukrainian strike targeted a Chechen Akhmat unit base in Grozny, Republic of Chechnya, employing a variety of drone types. While Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov claimed that two drones were successfully intercepted, subsequent footage and eyewitness accounts revealed at least four powerful explosions at the military installation. This base, a critical hub for deploying Chechen forces to Ukraine, suffered substantial damage, highlighting the reach and precision of Ukraine’s expanding strike campaign.

Overall, by focusing on airbases, fuel production, ammunition stockpiles, and industrial facilities in Russia’s rear, Ukraine aims to weaken the ability of the enemy to sustain its military operations in Donbas. The strikes not only disrupt supply chains but also force the Kremlin to divert resources to repair and defense efforts, creating new vulnerabilities across multiple fronts. The intensity and precision of these operations reflect a deliberate shift in Ukraine’s approach, signaling its ability to escalate pressure on Russia while undermining its logistical and industrial base. As the war continues, these strikes represent a significant challenge for Russian forces struggling to adapt to the growing sophistication of Ukrainian tactics.
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Ukraine is Using VAMPIRE Drones to Drop ROBOT DOGS on Russians The Military Show
922,439 views | 13,449 | December 17 2024 20:00:02 (1,013 comments)[ Read more … ] It’s midnight on the battlefield. A chilling buzz fills the air. “Baba Yaga,” whispers a soldier, as dread spreads. Suddenly, a robot dog appears—mechanical eyes scanning. This isn’t sci-fi; it’s Ukraine’s innovative use of autonomous systems in the Russo-Ukrainian War. From Vampire drones dominating the night to robot dogs patrolling ruins, explore how cutting-edge technology is redefining combat, minimizing risks, and maximizing impact. Watch now to uncover this game-changing military evolution!

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30 Nov: RUSSIANS IN SHOCK. HUNDREDS DEAD IN DEVASTATING STRIKES! | War in Ukraine Explained Reporting from Ukraine
382,515 views | 27,946 | November 30 2024 19:00:01 (872 comments)[ Read more … ] 🔴 BLACK FRIDAY IS HERE. GET 40% OFF Exclusive Strategic Insights NOW: https://www.RFUplus.com/black-friday-sale

Today there are a lot of updates from the Kursk direction.

Here, in a desperate bid to break the stalemate and finally reclaim Kursk, Russian forces began redeploying many thousands of additional Russian and North Korean troops, tanks, and armored vehicles to the region. However, Ukrainian forces used this chance to track down their movement, exposed dozens of Russian warehouses and secret camps, and unleashed a devastating series of long-range strikes with devastating consequences for the Russians.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly directed his military to expel Ukrainian forces from Kursk by January 20, 2025, coinciding with the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump. Trump, who has pledged to end the war swiftly, has not clarified his approach, leaving uncertainty about his strategy. Putin’s push appears aimed at projecting strength and regaining full territorial control ahead of any potential Trump-led peace negotiations.

To meet Putin’s directive, Russian commanders have begun redeploying additional troops from various units across Russia and the frontline. A Ukrainian soldier operating in Kursk reported the recent arrival of unspecified elements from the elite Russian 76th Air Assault Division, with Russian forces amassing approximately 4,000 personnel and 100 armored fighting vehicles prepared for further offensives. This corroborates earlier reports of the division’s relocation from the Zaporizhia direction to Kursk in recent weeks. Additionally, North Korean troops supporting Russian efforts have been repositioned from rear bases to frontline positions, further bolstering the build-up.

Ukrainian commanders knew that this window of redeployment with increased activity brought a bigger risk of exposure for the Russian forces, so they exploited this situation by tracking and locating various enemy camps, warehouses, and command centers. After gathering extensive information about potential key targets, Ukrainians decided to capitalize on that by striking them with various weapons, including drones and Storm Shadow missiles.

The initial target was a bunker at the Baryatinsky estate in Marino, approximately 30 kilometers from the Ukrainian salient in the Kursk region, serving as an operational headquarters for senior Russian commanders overseeing offensives in the area. Russian military analysts reported that Ukrainian forces fired up to 12 Storm Shadow missiles, criticizing the ineffective Russian air defenses that failed to intercept the strike. Ukrainians later released geolocated footage from a Shark surveillance drone documenting the precision of the attack.

Western officials confirmed the effectiveness of the Storm Shadow missile strike on Russian targets, reporting dozens of casualties among high-ranking officers, including Russian Lieutenant-General Valery Solodchuk and a senior North Korean general. While the North Korean officer’s identity remains undisclosed, Ukrainian intelligence previously identified General Colonel Kim Yong Bok as overseeing North Korean special-purpose Assault Corps units deployed in Russia. Reports also indicate the strike killed or injured hundreds of regular troops, including approximately 500 North Korean soldiers preparing to support the Russian counteroffensive.

On the previous day, Ukrainian forces executed a large-scale drone strike targeting Russian rear areas, focusing on military and defense industrial assets in Voronezh, Belgorod, and Novgorod. While Russian officials claimed their air defense systems intercepted or destroyed 44 Ukrainian drones, Lieutenant Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Center for Combatting Disinformation, reported that the drones successfully hit the 13th Main Missile and Artillery Directorate arsenal near Kotovo, Novgorod. This facility housed ammunition for tube artillery, mortar mines, ballistic missiles, and air defense systems, including KN-23 missiles supplied by North Korea.

Ukraine’s Main Military Intelligence Directorate reported that their forces also struck another command post of the Russian Northern Grouping of Forces in Gubkin and various drone production sites located in the Belgorod region as well.

Overall, the Ukrainian preemptive strikes on Russian and North Korean forces in Kursk underscore the critical importance of intelligence-driven warfare and the vulnerabilities inherent in large-scale troop redeployments. By exploiting Russia’s logistical weaknesses and operational predictability, Ukraine not only neutralized a significant portion of the incoming reinforcements but also demonstrated its ability to strike deep into enemy territory with precision and strategic impact.
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23 Dec: Ukrainians TURN NORTH KOREANS AGAINST EACH OTHER With Drones | War in Ukraine Explained Reporting from Ukraine
504,359 views | 27,169 | December 23 2024 19:00:16 (1,000 comments)[ Read more … ] 🔴 Support our Channel Today and Get a 40% Christmas Discount on Exclusive Videos: https://www.rfunews.com/christmas-sale

Today, there are a lot of interesting updates from the Kursk direction.

Here, the North Korean forces find themselves thrust into a conflict shaped by technologies and tactics far beyond their experience. Their struggle to contend with the relentless presence of drones reveals a dangerous gap in preparedness, setting the stage for a harsh lesson in the realities of modern warfare.

After a week of relentless human wave assaults by the North Korean soldiers, they failed to achieve their primary goal of retaking a significant part of the Kursk Salient. Similarly, the Russians cannot present the limited gains as a victory, because it would mean admitting to the integration of foreign North Korean troops to fill their ranks, as domestic recruitment fails to compensate for the Russian losses.

The failure of the North Korean assaults can be largely attributed to their troops’ lack of experience with modern warfare and their inability to adapt. North Korea’s decades of isolation from the outside world, with minimal external influence or exposure, have left its military doctrine severely outdated, rooted in strategies dating back to the Korean War over seventy years ago. One of their largest shortcomings has shown to be the inability to adapt to the unprecedented use of drones, which take a central role in modern Ukrainian combat operations. Their limited understanding of advanced reconnaissance and precision strikes, made possible by Ukrainians’ extensive drone warfare, allowed Ukrainian forces to inflict devastating losses on every assault. As a result, North Korean units performed even worse than even the least capable Russian assault units.

During their initial assaults, North Korean forces failed to recognize drones as a serious threat, advancing slowly across open fields, underestimating the danger from the skies. The soldiers did not attempt to maneuver or evade FPV drone strikes, while Ukrainian drone operators, skilled in targeting fast-moving troops, exploited their vulnerabilities. This lack of awareness made the North Koreans easy targets, with even inexperienced Ukrainian drone operators using single FPV drones to decimate large infantry formations.

After suffering heavy losses in their initial encounters with drones, North Korean commanders attempted to adapt by setting up observation points and instructing soldiers to listen for buzzing sounds and scan the skies.

However, these efforts had little impact on the Ukrainian drone operators, as the North Koreans lacked electronic warfare countermeasures or other advanced systems, leaving them vulnerable to continued drone strikes. Combat footage from the area shows North Korean soldiers repeatedly failing to protect themselves from drone strikes. Instead of attempting to maneuver, take cover, or lie down to reduce exposure, the soldiers often panicked, and tried to shoot down the drones with small arms fire while standing in place. Ukrainian drone operators took advantage of this, and repeatedly maneuvered their drones right in between the confused troops, causing the North Korean to kill each other, as they tried and failed to shoot down the drones.

Additionally, the North Korean soldiers stationed themselves on the outer edges of forests, remaining bunched together instead of moving deeper into the woods. By doing so, they missed an opportunity to use the dense trees and terrain to disrupt drone signals, which could have reduced the effectiveness of Ukrainian strikes. This tactical error allowed Ukrainian drone operators to target and eliminate large groups of North Korean troops with just a few drone strikes, even after the soldiers had reached their objectives within the forests.

To further exploit the North Korean soldiers’ lack of familiarity with drones, the Ukrainians attached small stuffed Christmas toys to some of their drones. This tactic caused additional confusion among the North Korean troops, who wasted precious seconds trying to comprehend why a toy was flying toward them. By the time they realized the threat, it was too late; these drones effectively struck, eliminating large numbers of soldiers in a single attack.

Overall, the North Koreans continued reliance on outdated assault tactics, coupled with their inability to adapt to modern warfare, resulted in catastrophic losses across all their units. South Korean Military Intelligence attributed the high casualties to their inexperience with drone warfare and their unfamiliarity with the open terrain, as North Koreans are more accustomed to the more mountainous terrain of Korea. To address these issues, Russian and North Korean commanders may need to pause operations, to train their troops in counter-drone measures, and overhaul North Korean combat tactics, a process that could delay the Kursk counteroffensive by weeks or even months.
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30 Dec: FOOTAGE. North Korean Human Sacrifice Tactic: Using Human Bait for Drones. | War in Ukraine Reporting from Ukraine
379,543 views | 23,360 | December 30 2024 19:00:05 (645 comments)[ Read more … ] 🔴 Support our Channel Today and Get a 40% Christmas Discount on Exclusive Videos: https://www.rfunews.com/christmas-sale

Today, there are a lot of interesting updates from the Kursk direction.

Here, in a desperate attempt to break through Ukrainian defenses near Kruglenkoe, North Korean troops resorted to human bait tactics, sending selected soldiers to their death to distract Ukrainian drone operators. However, their poorly executed strategy led to catastrophic losses, leaving the battlefield littered with bodies, and no results to show for it.

Recently, the Russian command decided to re-prioritize their advance in the area of Kruglenke, to achieve the primary goal of their current phase of the counteroffensive. These series of attacks play a vital role in the achievement of their broader operational goal of taking Malaya Loknya and eliminating the northern part of the Kursk salient.

Previously, Russian forces failed in their flank attack north of Novoivanovka, diminishing their chances of bypassing the main Ukrainian defenses in and around the village. This failure prevents them from accelerating their advance toward Malaya Loknya, as the main highway to the town remains under Ukrainian control. Consequently, their only viable option is to persist with attacks near Kruglenke, where breaching Ukrainian defenses could enable them to advance on Malaya Loknya.

However, the Russian forces cannot afford to allocate a significant number of troops and resources to this section of the frontline without weakening their positions in other parts of the Kursk salient. To pursue their objective of capturing Kruglenkoe, Russian generals once again opted to utilize North Korean troops to compensate for the shortage of Russian personnel, allowing them to sustain their advance while attempting to bypass Ukrainian defenses around the village.

The tactical terrain around the Kruglenkoe area provides North Korean fighters with the opportunity to gather and prepare for assaults within the nearby forests. These wooded areas serve as a natural cover, enabling the North Koreans to amass their forces in significant numbers. This buildup aims to achieve numerical superiority, which they intend to leverage in a large-scale onslaught to overwhelm and bypass Ukrainian defenses.

To conduct the assault, North Koreans must move large assault groups across open fields, making them highly vulnerable to Ukrainian drone reconnaissance, FPV drone strikes, and artillery fire. This vulnerability is exacerbated by the poor training and preparation of North Korean soldiers for such scenarios. Documents recovered from killed North Korean soldiers reveal their primary anti-drone tactic involves using live bait—one soldier running to distract the drone while two others attempt to shoot it down with small arms fire. However, this tactic proves ineffective, as their tendency to move in large, clustered groups allows Ukrainian drone operators and artillery to neutralize multiple soldiers with a single strike.

The North Korean lack of training and familiarity with modern technology and warfare leaves them highly vulnerable to precision strikes by Ukrainian forces. Unaware that their movements toward the forests were being monitored by drones, the North Koreans failed to conceal their approach effectively. Ukrainian drone operators quickly identified their positions upon their arrival in the forests and relayed the coordinates to artillery units. This enabled Ukrainian forces to deliver devastating strikes using artillery and cluster munitions against the concentrated North Korean troops, exploiting their lack of tactical awareness.

The remaining survivors are subsequently hunted down and destroyed by newly arrived Ukrainian drone operators, who found it easier to eliminate North Korean soldiers than their previous training targets, due to North Koreans being bunched up. Overall, the Russian generals deployed North Korean forces in yet another assault where their lack of training became a significant advantage for the Ukrainian defenders. The Ukrainians successfully detected and eliminated large concentrations of North Korean soldiers, exposing the vulnerabilities of poorly coordinated tactics. This assault once again highlighted the impracticality of the North Koreans’ improvised methods against drones and artillery. Despite repeated failures, North Korean commanders remain oblivious to the primary cause of their heavy losses—the tendency to cluster their troops in large groups. This approach continues to make them easy targets for Ukrainian precision strikes, resulting in unsustainable casualties that are likely to persist unless their tactics are fundamentally restructured.
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Watch: Ukrainian helicopter hunts down and destroys Russian kamikaze drone CGTN Europe
1,067,091 views | 19,922 | December 7 2024 16:59:04 (578 comments)[ Read more … ] Dramatic footage released by the Ukrainian military shows a Russian Shahed kamikaze drone being chased and destroyed by two Mi-8 helicopters. The Ukrainian Army choppers escorted the drone away from populated areas to protect civilians before taking it down with a machine gun strike. #Ukraine #Russia #drone
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About the Author

Patryk Alexander is an associate copy editor at 4kVideoDrones.com, where he sharpens articles and helps keep the website's content clean and error-free. With a background in creative writing, Patryk brings a unique perspective to his editing that helps make 4kVideoDrones.com's content engaging and informative. When he's not editing or writing, Patryk enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the great outdoors.

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