Ukraine has expanded its drone campaign with a new generation of medium-range strike drones capable of hitting Russian military targets far beyond the front line, according to a report by Business Insider. The development is increasing pressure on Russian logistics by targeting routes and infrastructure previously regarded as relatively secure. 'Free Hunt' Targets Russian Supply Lines The report says Ukrainian operators are using medium-range drones to conduct what has been described as a "free hunt" against military traffic up to 300 kilometres behind the front. The aim is to disrupt supply routes, transport hubs, warehouses and command posts feeding Russian frontline forces. Former drone operator Dmytro Zhluktenko, now an analyst with Ukraine's 413th RAID Unmanned Systems Regiment, said some drones can be equipped with Starlink terminals, allowing operators to maintain internet connectivity deep inside occupied territory. He said heavily used military highways present abundant targets, creating what he described as a high-risk zone for Russian logistics. Russia Faces Growing Defensive Challenge Military analysts say the emergence of this "middle zone" capability fills the gap between short-range FPV drones used near the battlefield and long-range drones striking air bases and energy infrastructure deep inside Russia. According to Zhluktenko, Russia lacks a robust defensive network across this broad area because it cannot easily redeploy air defence assets already committed elsewhere. Western analysts cited by the report argue Ukraine's sustained drone campaigns have already stretched Russian air defences, forcing commanders to make increasingly difficult choices over which locations to protect. Even deploying large numbers of interceptor drones would require substantial resources across a vast area, he said, widening the danger zone for Russian forces regardless of Moscow's response. New Systems Expand Battlefield Options Ukraine is continuing to develop unmanned capabilities across multiple fronts. On July 20, Ukrainian marines reportedly launched FPV drones from Barracuda uncrewed surface vessels to strike Russian positions near Zaliznyi Port in the Kherson region. Although one vessel was destroyed by Russian Lancet loitering munitions, the remaining craft reached their launch point and successfully attacked Russian personnel, equipment and logistics. The same day, Ukraine's Defence Ministry announced testing of Firefly guided munitions designed to be released from bomber drones at altitudes of up to 800 metres. Officials said the munitions can independently adjust their flight path and maintain accuracy despite electronic warfare interference, underlining Kyiv's continued push to expand its precision strike capabilities. Ukraine finds a powerful new way to strike deep inside Russia, media says
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