Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that drones are responsible for over 80% of strikes against Russian military targets. This revelation highlights the significant role of unmanned aerial vehicles in the ongoing conflict, marking one of the highest official estimates of drone involvement in the war.
During a recent awards ceremony for Ukrainian drone units, Zelenskyy indicated that Ukrainian forces conducted nearly 820,000 drone strikes in 2025. He stated that a substantial majority of these drones were produced locally, underscoring Ukraine’s efforts to bolster its domestic military manufacturing capabilities.
Zelenskyy’s comments come as part of a broader initiative to enhance battlefield performance through innovative technologies. He noted that the bonus-based electronic points system implemented by the military not only incentivizes drone squads but also aids in verifying the success of their operations. This system rewards drone units with points for confirmed strikes, which can be exchanged for equipment.
While acknowledging the importance of traditional infantry and artillery, Zelenskyy emphasized that the future of warfare is increasingly reliant on advanced technology. He mentioned that Ukrainian units managed to neutralize 35,000 Russian personnel in December alone, a figure corroborated by reports from the armed forces.
Maj. Robert “Madyar” Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, revealed that his units are responsible for approximately one-third of the nation’s drone strikes. He reported a daily average of 388 Russian casualties attributed to drone operations, translating to an estimated 34,900 casualties for December.
Former Minister for Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, who is now the defense minister, had previously estimated that up to 90% of battlefield kills in August were due to drones. This statistic reflects the growing reliance on drone technology in modern warfare.
In terms of production capacity, Ukraine aimed to manufacture around 2.5 million first-person-view drones last year, with some projections suggesting the potential for up to 4.5 million. However, official figures on the actual number of drones produced in 2025 have not been disclosed.
Kyiv has actively sought to expand its domestic drone manufacturing sector while aiming to reduce dependence on foreign products, particularly those from China. This development is part of a broader strategy to enhance Ukraine’s self-sufficiency in military technology.
The emphasis on drone warfare and local production capabilities marks a pivotal shift in Ukraine’s military strategy, reflecting the broader dynamics of the conflict with Russia. As the situation evolves, the role of drones is likely to remain central to Ukraine’s operational approach in the ongoing war.
