In 2024, Ukraine launched over 7,000 strikes on Russian territory, with the furthest reaching 1,700 km into Russia, according to CNN. These attacks targeted military sites and critical infrastructure using various weapons, including drones and artillery.
In 2024, Ukraine tries to get permission to use Western-provided weapons for long-ranged strikes deep into Russian territory, viewing that as a cornerstone of its defense. As the Western allies hesitate to do so due to their fear of escalation, Ukraine is increasingly developing its domestic long-range weapons production and using it on the battlefield.
However, this figure needs context. President Zelenskyy reported that just last week, Russia launched 900 guided aerial bombs (KABs), 40+ missiles, and 400 drones against Ukraine. This translates to roughly 3,500 KABs, 160 missiles, and 1,600 drones monthly.
CNN gained exclusive access to Ukraine’s long-range drone unit, part of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR). Two members spoke on record: Serge, the long-range drone operations commander, and Vector, the unit commander. Serge claimed to have overseen over 500 long-range drone strikes into Russia since February 2022.
The news team accompanied the unit as they prepared to launch 100+ drones on 29 September, targeting an ammunition facility near Kotluban in Russia’s Volgograd Oblast. Ukrainian intelligence shared footage showing 11 explosions within 56 minutes, coinciding with the expected drone arrivals. CNN independently verified a direct hit on the facility.
Despite these successes, Russian air defenses have thwarted many Ukrainian drone attacks. The GUR suggests their operations’ success rate could increase from 50% to 95% if the United States permitted Western weapons for strikes on Russian territory.
Read more:
- Russian forces launch 900 guided bombs on Ukraine in one week, Zelenskyy says
- Six injured as Russian bomb strike hits residential area in Zaporizhzhia
- Ukraine downs 31 “attack drones” as Russia launches 68 UAVs, four missiles
- Fires erupt in Chornomorsk apartment building following Russian drone attack
- Russians launch over 90 aerial weapons at Ukraine, two missiles and 56 drones downed
- Russian claims of ODAB-9000 super bomb use in Vovchansk refuted by Ukrainian military
- Russian strikes on Kherson market and Zaporizhzhia high-rise kill seven civilians
- Russian airstrike kills 2 elderly civilians by the lake in Kharkiv (updated)
