Russian forces deployed Geran‑5 drones, each capable of 600 km/h and a 6,000‑metre ceiling, in a series of waves over Ukrainian territory.
The aircraft are engineered to blur the line between unmanned delivery platforms and cruise missiles, making them harder to detect and intercept.
Maksym Zhorin, deputy commander of the 3rd Army Corps, told reporters that his unit is uncertain on how to counter the new threat.
Since the war began, Ukrainian forces have relied on a mix of MANPADS and short‑range interceptors; the new drones overwhelm these with speed and altitude.
The Ministry of Defense has called for accelerated procurement of advanced radar and missile systems, while Russia's strategy appears to be testing the resilience of Ukrainian air defense.