Ukraine claims drones now destroy 80% of Russian targets

Thursday 29 January 2026 - 09:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Ukraine claims drones now destroy 80% of Russian targets

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that drones have revolutionized the battlefield as the war with Russia nears its fifth year, accounting for over 80 percent of all confirmed enemy targets destroyed. Speaking at the "Drone Army - 2025" awards ceremony in Kyiv on Monday, he disclosed that Ukrainian forces logged 819,737 video-verified drone strikes against Russian assets throughout 2025. Zelensky emphasized on social media afterward that most of these drones were domestically produced, signaling a seismic shift from artillery-dominated warfare.

Defense Minister Mykhaïlo Fedorov shared detailed strike data, revealing about 240,000 hits on enemy personnel, 62,000 on light vehicles, 29,000 on heavy armored vehicles, and 32,000 on Russian strike and reconnaissance drones. Ukraine has gamified its drone operations through the Drone Army bonus system, where operators earn points for verified kills: 12 for a Russian soldier, 40 for a tank, and up to 50 for a multiple rocket launcher. These points redeem equipment via the Brave1 platform, dubbed the "Amazon of war," offering over 1,600 items.

Fedorov highlighted the value of real, verified field data for data-driven management decisions, a first in the conflict. Days earlier, the Defense Ministry launched Mission Control, a centralized digital system tied to the DELTA combat ecosystem. It provides commanders real-time visibility into drone operations, replacing paper reports with direct inputs on launch points, routes, and targets.

Looking ahead, Ukraine aims to produce over 7 million drones in 2026, up from 4 million in 2025, 2.2 million in 2024, and 800,000 in 2023, according to Deputy Defense Minister Serhiy Boyev at a NATO event. By contrast, the United States manufactures around 100,000 combat drones annually. Ukraine's 2026 military strategy carries a 120 billion dollar budget, half expected from international partners, with plans to extend frontline strike depth 80 kilometers farther into Russian-held territory.

Experts caution against overhyping drones despite the impressive numbers. The Royal United Services Institute reported in February 2025 that drones excel when paired with artillery, not as replacements. Retired Australian Major General Mick Ryan of the Center for Strategic and International Studies noted that the Pokrovsk front line proves drones cannot hold ground without infantry. Zelensky acknowledged warfare's evolution hinges on speed, strength in tech adoption, and accurate battlefield verification.