Ukraine's Drone Strikes Undermine Russian Military Morale

Drone Attacks Dealing Blows to Russian Forces' Morale amid Ukraine Conflict

Ukraine's Drone Attacks Weakening Russian Military Morale, Targeting Supersonic Bombers

Recent drone attacks by Ukraine are causing notable damage to Russian military morale, while strategic dynamics on the battlefield remain largely unaffected.

On the 22nd (local time), The Guardian reported that Ukraine's drone assaults are making a significant dent in Russian military morale, even as they don't result in substantial changes to the overall strategic situation.

Ukraine's strike on the 19th obliterated a Tu-22M3 supersonic tactical and strategic bomber stationed at a Russian airbase in Novgorod Oblast.

The destroyed Tu-22M3, a relic from the Soviet era, had seen action in events such as the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1987 and Russia's recent incursion into Ukraine. It played a pivotal role in early missile barrages during the initial stages of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The success of a drone attack that possibly originated from within Russia itself adds a layer of humiliation for the Russian military.

The UK's Defense Intelligence agency clarified that Moscow's mentioned helicopter-type drones would struggle to reach the targeted airbase when launched from outside Russian borders.

The agency underscored, "This strengthens the possibility that certain drone attacks on Russian military facilities have originated from within Russia."

Ukraine's drone strikes continue to extend beyond Crimea and its surroundings, encompassing Russian cities including Moscow.

Recent incidents include a May drone attempt targeting the Kremlin in Moscow. Additionally, downtown buildings hosting government entities and businesses faced two separate drone attacks within three days last month. Following this, drone attacks on the 17th and 18th inflicted structural damage in urban areas, temporarily disrupting operations at a nearby airport. On the 23rd, dawn drone attacks near Moscow led to the brief suspension of operations at a nearby airport.

Earlier this month, Ukrainian drones struck a Russian naval base in Novorossiysk, causing significant harm to Russian naval vessels. Subsequently, the Kerch Strait near the Crimean Peninsula witnessed Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil tankers.

'New Voice of Ukraine,' citing Ukrainian Military Intelligence (GUR), reported that recent Ukrainian drone actions resulted in damage to five Russian military aircraft.

The outlet noted that following the destruction of the Tu-22M3 and damage to two other aircraft on the 19th, two Russian bombers fell victim to drone damage on the 21st, piloted by GUR personnel in Kaluga.

While the Ukrainian government officially denies most drone attacks, senior Ukrainian officials occasionally make veiled references or taunting remarks regarding these incidents.

Andriy Yuzov, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Armed Forces Intelligence Directorate, humorously remarked on state television, "The fallen object on the Tu-22M3 was probably a few large pigeons," highlighting, "Unlike Moscow, there are no explosive disruptions; airports and flights continue as scheduled."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated that attacks on Russian territory are an inevitable, natural, and entirely just response.