05-11-2025

Russia's Drone Warfare in Ukraine Escalates

Date: 05-11-2025
Sources: bbc.com: 1 | news.sky.com: 2
Image for cluster 5
Image Source:

Source: news.sky.com

Image content: The image is an infographic that provides a detailed illustration of the Shahed 131 drone, with its various components labeled and dimensions provided. * **Title** * The title "SHAHED 131" is prominently displayed at the top center of the image in dark blue text. * **Drone Illustration** * A white drone is centered in the image, viewed from above. * The drone has a distinctive delta wing design and a single propeller on its front. * The drone's body is labeled with green boxes containing black text, highlighting its key features: * **Delta wings**: The drone's wing design is labeled. * **Warhead**: The drone's warhead is identified. * **GNSS Antenna**: The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) antenna is pointed out. * **Dimensions** * The drone's dimensions are provided in meters, with measurements for its height and length:

Summary

African women are being lured to Russia to manufacture drones used against Ukraine, while Russia has significantly increased its drone launches, leading to a substantial civilian toll. Meanwhile, a covert Ukrainian unit works to intercept these drones.

Key Points

  • African women are being tricked into working in Russian drone factories
  • Russia has more than quadrupled its drone launches against Ukraine in 2025
  • A Ukrainian unit is using custom-built drones to intercept Russian Shahed drones

Articles in this Cluster

African women tricked into making Russian drones: 'My skin was peeling'

The article exposes how African women, mostly from South Sudan, were lured to Russia under false pretenses to work in drone factories, specifically in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone. The women were promised professional training and jobs in various fields but were instead forced to work in dangerous conditions manufacturing Iranian Shahed 136 drones. The article details the harsh realities faced by these women, including chemical exposure, lack of proper protective gear, and being caught in a Ukrainian drone strike. The Alabuga Start programme, which recruits these women, denies allegations of deception and mistreatment, despite evidence and testimony from the women involved.
Entities: Adau, Alabuga Special Economic Zone, Russia, South Sudan, Alabuga Start programmeTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Russian 'suicide drone' launches quadruple this year | World News | Sky News

The number of Russian drone launches against Ukraine has increased by over 300% in the first 10 months of 2025 compared to the whole of 2024, according to data from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Russia has launched over 44,000 Shahed and Shahed variant drones, which is more than quadruple the number launched in 2024. Despite Ukraine's efforts to intercept the drones, the increased volume has put a strain on their air defenses, resulting in a significant civilian toll. The UN human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine reported that at least 494 civilians were killed by missiles and suicide drones between January and September 2025. Russia's expanded drone campaign is attributed to its ability to adapt and produce drones domestically, with estimates suggesting that it plans to produce 79,000 Shahed-type drones in 2025.
Entities: Russia, Ukraine, Shahed drone, Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), IranTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

The underground squad with the lives of countless Ukrainian civilians in their hands | World News | Sky News

The article reports on a covert Ukrainian unit, part of the 3rd Assault Brigade, that operates from an underground cellar to intercept Russian drones. The unit uses a custom-built drone called 'Sting' to destroy Shahed drones launched by Russia. Sky News spent a night with the unit, observing their operations and witnessing the destruction of several Shahed drones. The unit's commander, Betsik, is optimistic that with their new tactics and technology, they can destroy most of the Shahed drones in the next few months. The article highlights the devastating impact of the Shahed drones on Ukrainian civilians and the efforts of the Ukrainian military to counter this threat.
Entities: Ukraine, Russia, 3rd Assault Brigade, Betsik, Shahed droneTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform